Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh rape verdict: Dera chief pronounced guilty even as Punjab, Haryana remain in shutdown; see pics

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The CBI court in Panchkula found Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh guilty in a decade old rape case. He was an accused in a sexul exploitation case and with Panchkula court's decision he faces a prospect of jail term that might last from 7 to 10 years. The spiritual Guru has been the head of Dera Sacha Sauda since September 1990 and has a huge number of followers in Haryana, Punjab and other states. Fearing unrest among the people ahead of the Panchkula court judgment, security was beefed up in both the states and in the Union territory Chandigarh. See photos of the events as they unfolded today: (PTI)

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Ram Rahim left for Panchkula today in the morning in a 200 car convoy, reported CNN News 18. (PTI)

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The government had to deploy Army as thousands of Dera followers took to streets and tensions prevailed in the region. (PTI)

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As a part of security measures, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab have been virtually shut down with mobile internet services, trains, schools, colleges and bus services being disrupted till further orders are issued. (PTI)

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In a crackdown launched last night, Haryana Police assisted by central forces made several efforts to move out Gurmeet Ram Rahim's followers from Panchkula, reported PTI.

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Amid high alert, horse-mounted police personnel were also deployed in Panchkula. (PTI)

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The situation remains grim for security forces as the Dera Sacha Sauda followers refused to move out of the city. (Associated Press)

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Indian Border Security Force personnel being briefed by their officers near Panchkula court. (AP Photo)

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Road closed as part of security arrangements in Sirsa (Associated Press)

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Paramilitary soldiers stand guard near an Indian court in Panchkula (Associated Press)

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Police personnel keep a vigil at a toll plaza as the security has been tightened in Sirsa on Thursday. (PTI)

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Police carry out security check at a bus stop in Gurugram on Tuesday in view of verdict on Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. (PTI)

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A police officer briefs commandos of the Punjab Police near an Indian court in Panchkula (AP)

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Supporters of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh rest as they gather near a stadium in Panchkula. (PTI)

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Followers of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmit Ram Rahim gather at a park in Panchkula on Thursday. (PTI)