Violence erupted in several towns of Punjab and Haryana soon after a CBI special court on Friday held controversial godman Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh guilty of the rape and sexual exploitation two female disciples in 2002.

In Panchkula town where the CBI court is located, the sect followers set afire more than 100 vehicles after the court verdict.

The angry mob attacked media persons who were present on the scene. Three OB vans belonging to Times Now, NDTV and CNN-News18 were vandalized and damaged.

Media persons from India Today were also under attack as their car was followed by an angry mob. Their video journalist Pradeep Gupta sustained injuries on his face, head, neck and arm from the attack.

At the time of writing this, 11 casualties were reported by TV channels, and at least 100 people were injured. 

I appeal everone to please maintain peace, your rebellion will not reduce the guilt of Ram Rahim Singh, #RamRahim is not above Judiciary. pic.twitter.com/ADAWNZqiBw

— Aryan Singh (@balwan24x7) August 25, 2017

Attempts were made to burn two railways stations in Punjab's Malout and Mansa towns by agitated followers of the self-styled godman.

Unconfirmed reports said six masked miscreants damaged and set on fire an Income Tax vehicle in Mansa.

Curfew has been imposed in Mansa, Bathinda and Ferozepore districts of Punjab, following largescale violence. Water cannons and tear gas shells are being used by security personnel to control and disperse the mob.

Ram Rahim Singh was taken into judicial custody in a chopper to Rohtak following his conviction by trial court judge Jagdeep Singh. The sentencing is set for August 28. 

Punjab Chief Amarinder Singh and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar appealed to the people to maintain calm.

(With IANS inputs)