India: Violent protests erupt in northern cities August 25 /update 1

Event

Heavy clashes have erupted between followers of the influential spiritual leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and security forces after Singh was convicted of rape on Friday, August 25, in a local court in the city of Panchkula.

According to media reports, chaos has broken out in Panchkula, where paramilitary forces are currently patrolling and gunfire has been reported. Demonstrators are currently vandalizing cars and public property. Police have resorted to the use of tear gas in order to disperse the thousands of protesters.

Violence has also been reported in other cities in northern India, which have been placed under security lockdown. Curfews are in place in Malout and Mansa (Punjab state) as of Friday. A railway station in Malout has been set on fire.

Public transport has also been shut down and all vehicles attempting to enter Panchkula and Chandigarh are being searched. Schools, offices, and colleges will remain closed throughout Friday in the two cities.

Cases of journalists being physically assaulted are also being reported.

Context

Violence in the event of a conviction was expected. Six thousand policemen and paramilitary agents, aided by drones, had been deployed to monitor the tens of thousands of followers camping out in front of the court house and at the local headquarters of the religious group, the Dera Sacha Sauda.

Singh was accused of sexually assaulting two women belonging to the Dera sect in 2002, and was formally charged in 2007. Singh has denied the charges, and his followers claim the allegations are the result of a political conspiracy.

Advice

Individuals in Panchkula and other affected areas are advised to limit movements, avoid all protests, and keep abreast of the situation.