Dera sanitisation operation: Security agencies procure explosives, firecrackers on day two

The entire search operation is monitored by retired District and Sessions Judge, A K S Pawar, appointed by Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday.

A curfew has been imposed in and around Sirsa, Haryana, where the 800-acre sprawling campus of the Dera Sacha Sauda is located.

The campus came under scanner after Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was found guilty of raping two of his female followers inside the headquarters, for which he received prison sentences of 10 years each in two cases, totalling 20 years and a fine of Rs 30 lakhs (Rs 15 lakhs for each victim).

Forty-one paramilitary companies, four Army columns, cops from four districts, a SWAT team and a dog squad have been deployed for the search.

Police have also been deployed at Satnam Chowk, the main entrance to the Dera premises.

Meanwhile, Dera Spokesperson Vipassana Insan has urged followers to maintain peace and avoid any untoward incident.

She said, "Dera has always followed law. Appeal followers to maintain peace."

Earlier, following the conviction Ram Rahim, Dera followers went on a rampage, setting alight public properties and vandalising several others.

At least 35 people died in the clashes.

A few days later, during the sentencing of the rapist, another six people lost their lives in a separate clash.

The incident triggered a massive controversy as both the State and the Central Government were criticised for their unprofessional behaviour.

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