Section 144 imposed in Punjab ahead of Gurmeet Singh Rape Case verdict

Chandigarh: Haryana and Punjab Police are on high alert where the security has been beefed up as thousands of followers of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh wait for the final verdict in a rape case against him.

Followers have already gathered in Panchkula to support Ram Rahim. Around 5,000 police personnel have been deployed in the city, as authorities are anticipating large-scale violence in case the verdict goes against Ram Rahim.

"People are coming from all over for Guru-ji's court hearing," said Rajinder Singh, a follower who claims "lakhs" of others like him like are expected in the next 48 hours.

The godman was charged with rape of a female devotee in 1999. The CBI took over the investigation in 2002. On 17 August, the special CBI court of Panchkula concluded hearing in the case but reserved pronouncing the verdict for 25 August.

He is also accused of murder of a journalist who was a follower. Last week, he said he was too unwell to appear for a court hearing in the murder case.

People took to social media in support and against the whole case: