Violence broke out in several parts of Panchkula in Haryana, on Friday, after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted by a CBI court for raping two women.
Tens of thousands of Singh's followers, who had descended on the town in the north Indian state, went berserk shortly after the CBI court read out its verdict in the afternoon.
Chilling visuals aired on TV channels show the mob going on a rampage, with authorities unable to control the situation.
A shocking video shows India Today journalists Ashutosh Mishra and Pradeep Gupta being attacked by Dera followers when they were telecasting from inside their vehicle.
Terrifying video of @IndiaToday's Ashutosh Mishra & Pradeep Gupta attacked in vehicle by Dera goons in Sirsa. #RamRahimVerdict pic.twitter.com/8VP1w2TEzy
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) August 25, 2017
.@IndiaToday video journalist Pradeep Gupta injured on face, head, neck and arm. Thankfully at a clinic now. #RamRahimVerdict pic.twitter.com/EK1YdBmHE0
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) August 25, 2017
At least three OB vans, including those of India Today, NDTV and ABP News, were vandalised and then set ablaze by the crowd.
Here's @IndiaToday's outdoor broadcast (OB) van being attacked & toppled by Dera thugs at Sirsa. #RamRahimGuilty pic.twitter.com/muNg83xT6k
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) August 25, 2017
#RamRahimVerdict OB vans two TV news channels smashed and toppled down by Dera supporters https://t.co/JQJlKZeiOk #RamRahimSingh pic.twitter.com/Gw1sC7MK4q
— ABP News (@abpnewstv) August 25, 2017
#WATCH | NDTV OB Van destroyed by rampaging mobs in Panchkula #RamRahimConvicted pic.twitter.com/UnbThf61RC
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) August 25, 2017
Ground report | Smoke billowing up from skirmish near court premises where #RamRahimSingh has been declared a rape convict. pic.twitter.com/a9q5EdW63q
— The Quint (@TheQuint) August 25, 2017
While water cannons are being deployed to contain the mob, they seem to be of little help. The police are also using tear gas on the crowd.
According to reports, at least 11 people have been killed and over 100 injured in the riot. Hospitals are struggling to attend to a large number of injured.