Dera HQ search ops Day 2 as it happened: Tunnel connecting Ram Rahim's cave to sadhvis' residence found

An NDTV video shows authorities collecting illegal explosives from the Dera campus in Sirsa

On day 2 of raids, illegal explosive factory found inside #Dera campus #DeraSachaSauda
Live updates: https://t.co/iQ9sMnzFRz pic.twitter.com/dKrqbH2zeV

— NDTV (@ndtv) September 9, 2017

Govt begins inquiry into donation of dead bodies by Dera to private medical college

The health department in Sirsa has begun an inquiry into the donation of 14 dead bodies by Dera Sacha Sauda to a private medical college in Uttar Pradesh between January and August 2017.

Sirsa civil surgeon Gobind Gupta and a team of doctors from the district are presently in a multi-specialty hospital of the Dera to conduct the probe, as police and security forces continue conducting search operations in Dera premises.

Health minister Anil Vij had directed a probe into this matter.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters

Some of the goods seized from the Dera

Image courtesy: Sat Singh, 101Reporters

Some of the crackers seized by the police from Dera

Some Haryana ministers at fault

In this News18 article by KTS Tulsi, it has been opined that some Haryana ministers should face trial because according to some media reports, two or three of these ministers were heard telling Dera followers that Section 144 was not for them.

“The moot problem is not the lack of legislation but its implementation. If existing laws are implemented in their full spirit, such incidents will definitely be fewer to witness. However, the implementation needs a genuine political will and an effective administration. Haryana government and particularly, Manohar Lal Khattar, have proven thrice, they lack both miserably,” Tulsi said in the article.

Window-shaped tunnel connecting Ram Rahim’s cave to sadhvis’ residence found

In a disturbing development, dearch teams have found a window-dhaped tunnel connecting Ram Rahim’s house, the cave, to the sadhvis’ residence.

Deputy director Satish Mehra informed the media that empty boxes, which are used to store AK-47 magazines, have also been found.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters

More visuals from the mock drill at PGIMS Rohtak

Security personnel conduct mock drill at PGIMS Rohtak

The mock drill is being conducted to shift Ram Rahim — who is lodged in Sunaria jail — to the hospital for treatment if the need arises.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters

Two key Dera functionaries arrested for allegedly inciting violence

Two key functionaries of Dera Sacha Sauda were arrested for allegedly inciting violence in Panchkula following the conviction of sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case, police said today.

“Chamkaur Singh, who is the incharge of Dera Sacha Sauda centre in Panchkula and Daan Singh, who is also a key Dera functionary, have been arrested from Chandigarh,” Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police Manbir Singh said.

Both have been arrested in connection with the violence that took place in Panchkula on August 25, police said.

A Punjab police commando Karamjit Singh, who was part of the Ram Rahim’s security was also arrested by Haryana police from Patiala, police said.

The commando was nabbed for his alleged role in hatching a conspiracy to free Ram Rahim Singh from the Panchkula court complex, police said. — PTI

Buried skeletons suspected underneath ground near Ram Rahim’s cave

Sources said that forensic teams will start digging the earth near Ram Rahim’s cave, suspecting skeletons buried inside.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters

Separate SITs formed in Panchkula

Explosives used to make fireworks seized

Security agencies and district authorities again began with search operations at the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters near Haryana’s Sirsa town on Saturday morning amid tight security in the area.

A factory manufacturing fireworks has been sealed.

“Explosives used to make fireworks and crackers have been seized.

 A factory, that manufactured fireworks, situated inside the Dera headquarters has been sealed,” said deputy director, information, Satish Mehra.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters

Updates begin for 9 September

Security forces stand guard at Satnam Chowk, the main entrance to the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters, in Sirsa  

Journalists also were not allowed to enter beyond this point while search operations took place during the day.

Image courtesy: PTI

Ravinder Kumar, a Dera Sacha Sauda follower, hangs himself in Ambala jail

Ravinder, 27, who was lodged in the Ambala jail following the violence in Panchkula on 25 August, allegedly hanged himself on Sunday, said Ambala Central Jail officials, reported  The Indian Express . 

He faced attempt to murder, rioting, damaging public property and assault charges. Held in judicial custody, he committed suicide in the washroom of the barracks where he was jailed with a piece of cloth.

Superintendent of Police (Ambala) Abhishek Jorwal said: “The family members of Ravinder have been informed about his death. A judicial probe has been ordered by the jail authorities. Inquest proceedings are being conducted by district police. We have videographed the scene of incident, where Ravinder allegedly committed suicide. A post-mortem examination shall be conducted.”

He was arrested in the violence that ensued in Panchkula after a special CBI court convicted Gurmeet Ram Rahim of raping two sadhvis.

Report on search operations will be submitted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court

A report of the entire exercise will be submitted to the high court by the court commissioner, with a copy to the state government. – PTI

Licensed weapons were earlier deposited to the police by Dera Sacha Sauda followers

The police and the Dera management have maintained that licenced weapons were deposited by most Dera followers at Sirsa with the police authorities. – PTI

Hisar IGP, Sirsa SP and district deputy commissioner were also part of search operations

Hisar Inspector general of police Amitabh Dhillon, Sirsa SP Ashwin Shenvi and Deputy Commissioner Prabhjot Singh are also part of the exercise.

Officials from revenue, health, education, Tourism and other departments also participated. Bomb disposal squads and commandos were also deployed inside as a preventive measure. 

With inputs from PTI and IANS

Photo of the black Toyota Lexus luxury SUV without the number plate seized at the Dera headquarters

The vehicle was taken to the Sirsa police station.

Image courtesy: PTI

Hospital, stadium, resort, bungalows: Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters have it all

The Dera is spread over two campuses, 600 acres and over 100 acres respectively, about eight kilometres from Sirsa and 260 kilometres from Chandigarh. It houses a stadium, a hospital, educational institutions, luxury resort, bungalows and markets. Hundreds of people and sect followers permanently live and work in the mini-township. 

The premises, where the sect chief lived, known as the “gufa” (cave), is itself spread over an area of nearly 100 acres. It is said to have ultra-luxury facilities. The campus has palatial bungalows of his other family members, none of whom are in the premises since 25 August, when the sect chief was convicted of rape and sent to jail. – IANS

Rs 12,000 in new notes, computer, along with luxury car, hard disks, seized

Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters

Two minor children found handed over to local DCPO

The two minor children are among the five found near the Dera headquarters in Upkaar Colony. They have now been handed over to the DCPO.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters

Search operation peacefully ends for the day at 6.30 pm, will continue again tomorrow

“The search operation began at 9 am and peacefully concluded at 6.30 pm inside the Dera headquarter premises. It will resume again on Saturday,” said district deputy commissioner Prabhjot Singh.

He also said the forensic team has begun its investigation in Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s cave inside the Dera headquarters in Sirsa, Haryana. 

Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters

Haryana minister Anil Vij says Dera head has been convicted, not the organisation

Asked whether he would reach out to the followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda in future to seek votes, Vij said, “We seek votes from all.”

“It is the Dera’s head who has been convicted by the court and the Dera has not been declared illegal,” he said.

During the last Assembly polls in Haryana, the Dera head had announced support to the BJP. – PTI

“Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh would be killed by inmates if left alone without security,” says jail inmate on bail

A Rohtak jail inmate Somu Pandit said that the anger against the self-styled godman is such that he would be killed if left alone with no security.

16 ’nakas’ set up near Dera Sacha Sauda’s headquarters

Sixteen ’nakas’ have been set up near the Dera. Forty-one companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in Sirsa district. – PTI

Duty magistrates, executive magistrates, revenue officials also part of search operations

– PTI

800-acre Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters divided into 10 zones for sanitisation

The Dera, spread over nearly 800 acres, has been divided into ten zones for the purpose of sanitisation and searches, with each zone under the control of a senior officer. – PTI

Search team also found 1500 pairs of shoes, designer clothes and cash inside Dera headquarters

Haryana health minister Anil Vij orders inquiry into 14 bodies taken from Dera to a Lucknow medical college

Following media reports such as those by  News24 , which said at least 14 dead bodies were sent from the Dera headquarters to a private medical college in Lucknow, Haryana health minister Anil Vij ordered an inquiry into the same on Friday. He has asked the Director General of Health Services to conduct the investigation at the earliest.

News24 reported that the no rules were followed and proper paperwork was not done. The dead bodies were taken between January 2017 and August 2017. The news channel also claimed death certificates were not issued.

“If this was done, the formalities should have been completed. The reason for sending the bodies must be ascertained. Orders have been issued to examine the matter and find out facts in this case,” Vij said. 

Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters

Journalists not allowed to enter Dera Sacha Sauda

Journalists were stopped at the Shah Satnam Singh Chowk, about seven kilometres from the headquarters. The chowk, which separates the heart of the city from the Dera, is also under heavy security. – PTI

Have a look into Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters sprawled across 800 acres

Curfew remains in place 

Curfew remains in force on roads leading to the Dera headquarters. The roads are also blocked and no unauthorised person is being allowed to move towards the Dera premises. – PTI

A deserted view at the main entrance to the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa ahead of the search operations

Image courtesy: PTI

Here are some pictures taken earlier on 6 September from inside the Dera headquarters in Sirsa

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Lexus car found inside Dera headquarters brought to Sirsa police station 

Search operations being videographed by retired judge AKS Pawar

The process, which began around 8 am, is being videographed and monitored by retired District and Sessions Judge AKS Pawar, who was appointed as a Court Commissioner by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday to oversee the exercise. – PTI

Rooms sealed, hard disks, unlabelled medicines recovered

In a mammoth search operation being carried out by security forces and district authorities, some rooms were also sealed and hard disk drives and unlabelled medicines recovered, Haryana’s information and public relations deputy director, Satish Mehra, who has been authorised by the administration to speak to the media, said.

“Some rooms have been sealed, computer hard disk drives, unregistered Lexus car, an OB van, Rs 7,000 of demonetised currency, Rs 12,000 cash and some pharma medicines without labels or a brand name are among other items which have been seized,” he said. – PTI

Five people including two minors have been found inside

In the ongoing search operation at Dera Sacha Sauda, five people including two minors have been found, said Satish Mishra, deputy director of Haryana public relations department. A walkie talkie was also recovered as well. 

Forensic team from Roorkee has entered Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa

Two minors found inside Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s “cave” at Dera Sacha Sauda’s headquarters

The search operation at the Dera headquarters have been going on for nearly eight hours now. The forensic team is combing the “cave” where two minors have now been found, reported Times Now.

Before AAI revoked Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s airport access, he was VIP no. 51 

Others given access to VIP lounge at airports list include attorney general, MLAs, MPs, Shankaracharya Maharaj of Shri Dwaraka Sharada Peeth

Black luxury car without number plate, 1200 new notes also found at Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters

In addition to the above, some endangered animals were also found, reported  India Today .

Despite being convicted, Gurmeet Ram Rahim is still hailed as “god” by his followers

Inequality in society is one of the reasons ‘premis’ flock to Gurmeet Ram Rahim and Dera Sacha Sauda

The Dera also insisted the followers to change their surnames to ‘insan’. It was seen as a rule devised to spread across the message that the ‘Dera’ was more respectful of humanity than any other quality. No wonder then that the Dera had a substantial following among the people from the lower rungs of the much abhorred caste hierarchy. Apart from a liberal atmosphere, the Dera also seemed to have the promise of a new social status to its followers.

“A follower who successfully convinces a good number of followers from his caste or village was seen as their leader. That enhances his social status to a spiritual leader in a group of 400 to 500 people. Many came to the Dera to attain this status” he said. The leader would be the contact person between the Dera and the followers. He would pass all the messages of the Dera to its followers and would also ensure that the followers meet the guru in their time of need.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh sentenced: Dera chief one of many self-styled godmen’ embroiled in scandals

India’s self-styled “godmen” have legions of devoted followers, but several have been embroiled in scandals in recent years.

Here are some of the more famous godmen:

Rampal Maharaj

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In 2014 the guru Rampal Maharaj barricaded himself into his ashram guarded by devotees armed with stones, petrol bombs and other weapons after a court issued a warrant for his arrest on a series of charges, including conspiracy to murder.

It was days before police were finally able to clear the giant complex and arrest the guru, who considered himself an incarnation of a 15th-century mystic Indian poet. Six people died during the siege.

Ashutosh Maharaj

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Devotees of Ashutosh Maharaj, who died in January 2014, are preserving his body in a freezer and insist he is in a deep meditative state.

The hugely wealthy founder of the multi-million dollar Divya Jyoti Jagriti Sansthan (Divine Light Awakening Mission) sect apparently died of a cardiac arrest.

A look at Deras and their famous political visitors 

Infographic by Network18creative

The ongoing search operations are expected to reveal the mysterious “gufa” (cave) where Gurmeet Ram Rahim resided

Ram Rahim allowed no followers except close aides to enter to enter his abode where he raped the two sadhvis who later filed complaints against him. 

To avoid controversy, the Dera changed its name from “gufa” to “Tera Vaas” (your home) about 10 years ago, reported  The Indian Express .

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s conviction for rape is ground for take over of Dera; why is Haryana govt pussyfooting?

Today, this political patronage extends to Hindu organisations (and Hindu-adjacent organisations) as well. As Lord Meghnad Desai pointed out in one of his columns, had the DSS been “Christian missionaries, they would have to register, be subject to audit and FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) rules.”

But in the case of the DSS, which allegedly abetted rape, castration and even murder, there is ample ground for the government to take over its assets and banish the current administration. Is the government not doing this because the DSS is a vote bank?

How do “godmen” like Gurmeet Ram Rahim manage to breed a cult phenomenon preying on innocent people?

Their modus operandi usually is to claim some form of supernatural authority. Unlike priests or pandits, who are practitioners of some ideology or theory, and considered merely the conduits for communication between man and god, “godmen” claim to be the embodiment of god, vested with god-like powers. They seek to be revered and worshipped, they attempt to create a religion around and about themselves. In short, they are nothing more than charlatans and swindlers capitalizing and preying on the helplessness and naivety of people.

Timeline of the Ram Rahim Singh rape case 

Gurmeet Ram Rahim will continue to head Dera Sacha Sauda, said chairperson Vipassana earlier

Twitter accounts of Dera Sacha Sauda and Gurmeet Ram Rahim have been blocked

A search on the microblogging site for Ram Rahim’s accounts returned a message “@Gurmeetramrahim’s account has been withheld in India”. It’s the same for Dera Sacha Sauda’s account as well. Ram Rahim’s account was reportedly blocked on 1 September. 

Meet Sudesh Kumari, the woman who braved odds to get justice for a sadhvi

She is not a known face on TV channels, among champions of the cause for women. But she works quietly to make democracy tick. Kumari empathised with the two sadhvis who accused Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim of sexual exploitation because “the matter was such, how could she not be with them”. It all began when she learnt about the anonymous letter written by the two women against the Dera head at Sachcha Sauda at Sirsa. “I continued to talk to her and felt her pain.”

In June 2002, when the copy of the anonymous letter came to her, she was the convenor of Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM), Haryana. 

“Our courage gave her hope, she was wavering fearing for her father’s life, but after this incident, she stood firm like a rock. You know how difficult it is for an Indian woman to go to a police station under normal circumstances. She was standing against the might of a man supported by the state machinery,” the JSM convenor said.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s film career might not take off any time soon

The Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) has revoked the work permit of rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Insan on 2 September. 

Gurmeet has directed and acted in the Messenger of God (MSG) franchise, which is a series of propagandist films that only reinforce his self-obsession. The motion poster of his upcoming project MSG Online Gurukul was released on 15 August. It features him and Honeypreet Insan, his adopted daughter. Read more here.

With Gurmeet Ram Rahim in jail, who’ll take over the Dera Sacha Sauda reins?

Within the family of the sect’s jailed leader, the name of his 33-year-old son, Jasmeet Singh Insan, is being propped up to manage the affairs of the sect in Ram Rahim’s absence. Those behind the move include Ram Rahim’s aged mother Naseeb Kaur and wife Harjeet Kaur, who normally keep a low profile compared to the rather flashy and even controversial lifestyle of Ram Rahim himself. 

The “threat” to Ram Rahim’s family, the source said, is from two close female aides of the sect chief — Honeypreet (who was earlier called Priyanka Taneja) and Vipassana — both of whom are said to be adopted daughters of Ram Rahim.

While Vipassana, aged around 35 years, is officially the number two in the sprawling 700-acre sect headquarters complex near Sirsa town and has been managing the affairs in the past few days when the sect has been through turmoil, it is Honeypreet who has figured more prominently and publicly with Ram Rahim in the last five years. Read more here.

As part of crackdown on Dera chief, Govt withdraws Ram Rahim’s access to VIP lounges at airport

A letter dated 1 September from the civil aviation ministry to the chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) says, “It has now been decided to withdraw the permission for use of reserve lounge at airports granted to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, chief of Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa, with immediate effect.” Read more here.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Dera Sacha Sauda, Vipassana Insan, appealed to followers to maintain peace

Over 700 people stuck inside premises as sanitation operations underway

As the security forces continued search operations at the Dera premises in Sirsa, reports say that around 700 to 800 people are still inside the headquarters, including several children who are students at the welfare schools run from within the headquarters.

The police has sealed entry and exit routes of the Dera premises.

The Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa, sprawling over 20-acres of land, is like a mini-township with its own shops, public facilities and even an alternate currency model.

District administration takes help from Haryana locksmiths to sanitise Dera premises

Officials are using locksmiths from the Sikligar community to access the vaults inside Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s headquarters, reported News18 . The Sikligars are a nomadic community traditionally involved in polishing weapons and are scattered around Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat.

Police recover Rs 7,000 worth demonetised notes from Dera Sacha Sauda premises

In addition to to the old currency, police have also seized one OB van and some unlabelled medicine from the Dera premises.

Reported by Manoj Kumar, 101Reporters

“While campaigning, if Dera Sacha Sauda houses come our way, we go there too,” says Anil Vij

“I donated money to Dera Sacha Sauda, not Gurmeet Ram Rahim,” says Haryana minister Anil Vij 

Haryana sports minister Anil Vij has previously come under the scanner for donating Rs 50 lakh from the discretionary fund to the Dera Sacha Sauda, according to this  Indian Express  article. 

“For the growth and promotion of games, I can only contribute this much, If I had power to donate more, then I would have done so,” the report quoted Vij as saying.

Internet banned in Sirsa: Copy of government order

Self-styled godman issued alternate currency within Dera premises 

Plastic coins, bearing little semblance to Indian currency were recovered inside Dera premises as the search operations were underway. The plastic currency had the words Dhan Dhan Satguru Tera hi Asara, Dera Sacha Sauda Sirsa inscribed on them. 

The alternate currency carries actual value within the Dera premises and can be exchanged for real money. The ‘money’ however cannot be used anywhere outside the Dera headquarters.

Voice calls to continue despite internet ban

These were found inside the ashram…

Plastic coins bearing the name of Gurmeet Ram Rahim found in ashram

Recap: Haryana Police search for Honeypreet Insan near Nepal border after issuing lookout notice

The Haryana Police came looking for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s close aide Honeypreet Insaan in Kheri as she was suspected to have left for Nepal through the porous border.

Additional Superintendent of Police Ghanshyam Chaurasiya confirmed the arrival of two Haryana police personnel at Gaurifanta border in Kheri.

The ASP told PTI that the Haryana Police had shared some information with the Gaurifanta Police and inquired about her suspected movement towards the neighbouring country through the porous India-Nepal border.

“However, when no clue about Honeypreet’s departure for Nepal could be gathered, the Haryana Police returned,” the ASP said.

State created vacuum of real spiritual leaders, helped flourish self-styled gurus like Gurmeet Ram Rahim

​The emasculation of the spiritual leaders took three stages. First, they were denied (through curbs on admissible expenditure) to become national voices. But, more importantly, the entrepreneur-gurus were provided two other big benefits without which they could not have become as large as they did. These benefits included large tracts of land. Without that land, they could not have had the place to assemble their audiences. They could not impress the common folk. With land came buildings, and facilities that the buildings offered by way of jobs, services (such as medicare, dispute resolution and financial help) and shelter.

Second, the entrepreneur-gurus were granted the benefit of tax-exemptions. Like political parties, their funds could not be taxed. And while the mainstream temple trusts donations were accounted for each day, the money collected by these entrepreneurs were not audited, supervised, or even tabulated. They became sinkholes of cash collection, which could then be used to display naked power, win over affection, and command allegiance — through forced sex, castrations or murders. If they needed politicians initially, now the politicians needed them — for their vote banks, for fixing deals and for an assortment of jobs that could not be done by the government-appointed machinery.

Watch: A senior journalist talking about the ongoing operation in Sirsa

The forensic team from Roorkee arrives at the ashram

Image courtesy: Sat Singh,101 reporters

Another Forensic team from Roorkee reached Sirsa Dera headquarters for further investigation

Read: The order suspending internet services in Sirsa

Image courtesy: Sat Singh, 101 reporters

After JCB Machine, now Army crane is summoned to Dera premises

Image courtesy: Manoj Kumar, 101 reporters

Mobile internet, SMS services suspended in Sirsa until 10 September

The Haryana government has suspended mobile internet services (2G, 3G, 4G) GPRS, all SMS services and dongle services in the Sirsa district in view of the “critical situation” to curb the spread of rumours in Sirsa district in view of the ongoing sanitisation drive. The suspension will continue till 10 September.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101 reporters

Schools run by Dera Sacha Sauda under the scanner now

KK Khandelwal, additional chief secretary, School Education Department (Haryana) told Firstpost that the educational institutions run by the Dera Sacha Sauda are controversial and the decision about them would be taken by the Punjab and Haryana High court. About the students studying here, Khandelwal said that they would be given an option to enroll in other educational institutes to save their academic year. Dera Sacha Sauda runs six educational institute including an international school, where over 5000 students study.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101 reporters

Security beefed up outside Dera ashram at 1 pm

Image courtesy: Sat Singh, 101 reporters

Recap: Haryana Police investigates Dera functionaries’ involvement in Panckula violence

The Haryana Police is investigating claims that top Dera Sacha Sauda functionaries paid a ‘supari’ (contract) of Rs 5 crore to criminal elements to instigate violence in Panchkula and other places after sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s conviction for rape.

Haryana Director General of Police BS Sandhu said that the matter was under investigation.

“We are investigating this. We are trying to nab two Dera functionaries, Chamkaur Singh and Nain, who are said to be involved in this,” he said.

Dera Sacha Sauda mouthpiece admits to skeletons at premises, says they were donated

According to News18 , ‘Sach Kahoon’ had admitted on Thursday that human remains were indeed buried in the premises. However, the Dera newspaper defended the action of the management in burying the human remains, and said this was done as sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh encouraged followers to donate the remains to the sect for burial and prevent these from being immersed in rivers, which causes pollution.

Locals revere baba as ‘god’

A CNN News18 report noted that the locals surrounding the dera ashram revere Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh as a living god. According to the report, the poor villagers in the surrounding areas have availed of several social welfare schemes run by the ashram.

A heart surgeon recounts his experience with ‘hyperactive’ baba

A heart specialist who now lives in Delhi said he was once called to check Singh by the Dera officials and was shocked to find him “hyperactive”.

“He had a great following of doctors, many from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and I wondered why he had called me. I was told he keeps shuffling his doctors. I found his pulse a bit erratic but nothing that would cause concern. I told him not to check blood pressure every 30 minutes and he should remain calm,” said the doctor, speaking on conditions of anonymity.

“But Singh kept on telling me that I should stay back if I wish to meet the God and attain total nirvana. I left.”

A look at the unbelievable life on Ram Rahim

Singh maintained a dual personality. During sermons, he wore a spotless white dress, common with all self-styled Godmen across India. But when he was before the camera for interviews or shooting, he would wear fluorescent colours on his bejewelled costume and fight off villains and toss flaming motorbikes into the air.

He would even walk on air and tear tree trunks in half with his bare hands, while routinely singing his favourite song Love Charger. A Bollywood filmmaker who was once called at the Dera was told by Singh’s followers that he writes songs in 15 seconds, and completes a shot in less than a minute. It is because he is God.

Schools are closed after curfew in Sirsa

The students of government school at Shah Satnam chowk were asked to go at home after search operation started in Dera.

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Video courtesy: Manoj Kumar,101 reporters

No one permited to come out of Dera campus

No one is permitted to come out of Dera campus now. Only officers on duty can come and go. Some of the parents whose sons and daughters study at Dera schools/colleges are also stuck inside the premises. According to police sources, some 700-800 people still inside Dera campus.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101 reporters

Watch: Deputy director (information) Satish Mehra briefs media

Video courtesy: Manoj Kumar, 101 reporters

What will the forensic team investgate? 

The forensic team from Roorkee would investigate whether people’s doubts about a lot of skeletons being buried inside the dera holds any truth or not. The FSL Roorkee team would only investigate on this part of the story. 

Reported by Manoj Kumar, 101 reporters

Dera divided into 10 zones for investigation purpose

A police officer on duty told Firstpost that the police search team had divided the entire area of Dera in ten zones and they have sanitised four of them by now. They have recovered 10 hard disks, some computers, while some rooms have also been sealed. The forensic teams from Roorkee, Kurukshetra and Madhuban and Karnal have reached the spot to investigate further. 

Reported by Manoj Kumar, 101 reporters

A glimpse of the security arrangement in Sirsa

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Image courtesy: Sat Singh,101 reporters

Next course of action to be known in evening

Deputy director (information), Satish Mehra told Firstpost that the operation is going peacefully and that the amount recovered is yet to be ascertained. The next course of action would be decided after meeting with officials with judicial officer AKS Pawar in the evening, he added. 

Reported by Sat Singh, 101 reporters

Watch: Security at Shah Satnam Chowk, 7 kilometres from Dera HQ

video courtesy: Manoj Kumar

Media officer briefs about the situation

Deputy director (Information) Satish Mehra said that the authorities have seized some cash from the premises. He added that the forensic team has also been called from Roorkee. Mehra said that some computers, hard disks were also seized from the dera. A few rooms have also been sealed, the media officer said.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101 reporters

A forensic team from Roorkee will enter premises now

Roads are deserted in Sirsa after curfew 

Image courtesy: Manoj Kumar

Will Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s influence wane in Punjab, Haryana?

According to The Indian Express , with the imprisonment of the Dera chief, there is a threat that his influence over a large section of the electorate in Punjab and Haryana may wane. A known political expert told the publication, “Given the state of affairs and the way people are motivated to go towards such religious spaces, they are not going to easily believe that the Dera head was wrong. It is not a question of him being convicted, the question is if the faith in him has been tarnished.”

Heavy machinery enters the premises

Image courtesy: Manoj Dhaka, 101 reporters

Apart from court commissioner, paramilitary forces also help operations

While the sanitisation process will be overseen by the court commissioner, Haryana police personnel, paramilitary forces, duty magistrates, executive magistrates and revenue officials will also be part of the exercise. Curfew continued to be imposed in the areas near the Dera premises, but relaxations were being given during morning and evening hours, officials said. As many as 16 nakas (check points) have been set up near the Dera.

IANS

Heavy machinery enters premises

Deputy director, Meida, Satish Kumar Mehra said that JCB machines and other heavy machinery are part of their team, as it can be used at a place where need arises. He said that all things are there as per orders of appointment juridical office.

Reported by Sat Singh, 101 reporters

Court Commissioner to oversee search operation

The entire sanitisation process will be videographed and overseen by retired district and sessions judge, AKS Pawar, who was appointed as court commissioner by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday.

IANS

Tight security arrangement outside HQ

Image courtesy: Manoj Dhaka, 101 reporters

Search operations continue inside the Dera

Watch: Vippasana Insan asks followers to maintain calm

Video courtesy: Richa Kakkar, 101 reporters

Bomb disposal squad at standby at premises

Watch: Security forces enter premises

JCB machines, blacksmith enter premises

Police says situation is normal

IGP, Hisar Range, Amitabh Singh Dhillon reaches Shah Satnam Singh Chowk in Sirsa. “Situation normal,” says deputy director (information & PR department). 

Reported by Sat Singh, 101 rpeorters

Search operations began an hour back 

Search operations under way in Ram Rahim’s headquarters

Security forces enter Sirsa headquarters of Dera Sacha Sauda