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How the Khattar government abdicated its duties of maintaining order

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9 years ago

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Despite imposition of curfew in Panchkula, Haryana’s Manohar Lal Khattar government allowed over 1.5 lakh followers of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to converge in the town before the special CBI court declared the Godman guilty of raping and sexually exploiting 2 of his followers in 2002. The resulting riots claimed the lives of 32 people, damaged property worth crores of rupees and the mayhem spread to Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

As Haryana was burning, on Friday, and the wildfire spread to the neighbouring states of Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan, the Punjab and Haryana High Court hit out at the Manohar Lal Khattar government. “You (Haryana government) allowed the city to burn for political gains. It seems the government has surrendered to agitators,” the court had said.

The indictment by the Punjab and Haryana High Court that came in light of the widespread violence that began as soon as a special CBI court in Panchkula declared Dera Sachha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh guilty of raping two of his followers in 2002, is reason enough to recount how Haryana’s Khattar government capitulated before the Dera goons and allowed them to unleash mayhem.

The complete collapse of Haryana’s law and order machinery that was witnessed on Friday soon after the pronouncement of the verdict against the rapist Godman was perhaps as much a result of the manner in which the Khattar government tried to mislead people and even the court’s on the gravity of the situation in Panchkula.

Around 11.30 am on Friday, over three hours before the Panchkula CBI court declared its verdict, the Khattar government’s Advocate General BR Mahajan had claimed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court that with the exception of two spots – a “public park” and “community hall” – most Dera followers had been evacuated from Panchkula.

Dera terror: How the Khattar government abdicated its duties of maintaining order

The High Court had clearly directed the Haryana government “not to shy away” from using “any kind of weapon” to deal with persons indulging in arson, loot and violence. However, when the mayhem began – police personnel – a majority of them wielding lathis and not weapons – and even companies of the Army that had been called in to prevent any untoward incident, were seen fleeing their posts when the Godman’s followers clashed with them, torched vehicles and beat up media persons.

The Haryana government, especially Khattar who had appealed for calm a short while before the verdict – disappeared when the violence began. While the High Court was prompt enough to announce that properties owned by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s Dera Sachha Sauda will be attached to recover and compensate for the financial losses caused by the riots, officials of the Khattar government and ministers like Anil Jain were still crying helplessness, insisting “what can we do”.

It is no secret that the BJP owes its landslide victory in the Haryana assembly polls in 2014 that enabled the appointment of first-time MLA Khattar as the chief minister in part due to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh which had appealed to the state’s electorate to vote for the saffron party. The camaraderie between Khattar, his party’s ministers and MLAs and the Dera chief too was a very public one. Soon after the BJP had won Haryana in 2014, 19 of its newly-elected MLAs led by the party’s national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya had made a public spectacle of parading before the now-convicted-of-rape Godman to pay their respects.

Through the week before the rape verdict, Khattar government had allowed Dera followers to march to Panchkula, their numbers constantly swelling as Fridayapproached. Khattar’s cabinet colleague Rambilas Sharma, his bureaucracy and even the state police kept insisting that the marching mob comprised of “peaceful followers of the Dera”.

The High Court, which on Friday, slammed the Khattar government of “complete collusion” with the Dera followers in allowing them to wreak havoc had earlier hit out at the administration for issuing two “shoddy” Section 144 CrPC orders, in which the Panchkula district administration ordered that they shall only bar entry of people “moving with weapons”. The state government had later amended the orders and barred “assembly of five or more persons in Panchkula” – but asFriday’s mayhem firmly established, even these orders were not implemented.

Dera terror: How the Khattar government abdicated its duties of maintaining order

Despite imposition of curfew, the Khattar government’s police allowed the Dera chief – who also enjoys a Z+ category security cover given by the government – to drive from Sirsa to the Panchkula court in a convoy of over 100 vehicles, filled with his rabid followers who further incited the mob en route.

Three days prior to the rape verdict, Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ram Niwas had said, “We are totally prepared to deal with any situation. Nobody shall be allowed to breach the peace. Preventive arrests shall be made, if required”. Last week, the Chief Secretaries and police chiefs of both Punjab and Haryana met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mahrishi in New Delhi and apprised him of the situation in both the states. Both the States also sought paramilitary support.

It is pertinent to point out that although there were reports of arson in Congress-ruled Punjab too after the verdict, no casualties were reported from the state – a sharp contrast to what unfolded in Haryana.

Dera terror: How the Khattar government abdicated its duties of maintaining order

In the three years of his government, this is the third instance when Khattar’s mal-governance has cost the state heavily. In November, 2014, six people died during the 14-day standoff between police and followers of another self-styled Godman – Sant Rampal of Satlok Ashram in Hisar. Then in February 2016, 30 persons were killed in another police-public clash during the violent Jat agitation. Each time, Khattar has issued appeals for calm and they have failed to have any effect on the mobs which his administration has conveniently allowed to gather despite prohibitory orders.

Dera terror: How the Khattar government abdicated its duties of maintaining order

Even after the violence began, the Haryana police preferred to worry more for the rapist Godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s safety and comfort – flying him to a well-appointed government guest house with five-star amenities in Rohtak. It was only after a media outcry over this special treatment that the police surreptitiously moved the convict to the Rohtak jail. All along, in total violation of establish convention, the Dera chief was accompanied by a woman, whose identity could not be established but who, unofficially, the cops claim was his daughter.

If Khattar and his government abdicated their responsibilities of maintaining law and order, the Narendra Modi-led central government didn’t fare much better.

Almost as if the Union and Haryana government’s ministers and officials were following a pre-written script, Union home secretary Rajiv Meharshi described the tense situation as “serious but not yet out of control” on Friday evening. By the time Meharshi made this comment, 14 deaths had already been reported, the violence had already spread to the neighbouring states, coaches of at least two trains (one in the national capital’s Anand Vihar Railway station), several buses and public transport vehicles, buildings and government property had been gutted by arsonists. But according to the Union home ministry which is supposedly the guardian of the country’s internal security, the situation was “still not out of control”. Did the home secretary Meharshi not know the extent of the violence or was he deliberately underplaying it?

Union home minister Rajnath Singh, who was then on his way to brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation, insisted on Friday evening that the Haryana government “cannot be blamed” for the riots.

It was after around 8 pm on Friday night that news began doing the rounds of Narendra Modi being upset with Khattar – the man who was handpicked by the Prime Minister to become chief minister despite his inexperience of administration. At 8.18 pm, by when over 28 deaths had been confirmed, Modi appealed for peace through his Twitter handle. The Haryana government had suspended internet services even before the verdict came but then these appeals for peace, as had already become evident during the day, were perhaps only for public consumption.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Delhi Police offers 11-person limit for CJP’s Connaught Place protest

Delhi Police has offered to facilitate a group of 11 people at Central Park in Connaught Place for the Cockroach Janata Party’s October 16 protest, while warning that violations of prohibitory orders could invite legal action.

Published

6 hours ago

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October 15, 2026

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CJP protest to continue

Delhi Police has proposed allowing a group of 11 people to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16, ahead of a protest called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over alleged electoral fraud.

The police said it could facilitate the group at a suitable place in the park, while appealing to the public not to join the proposed gathering in large numbers. The offer comes amid prohibitory orders in Connaught Place and adjoining areas under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has called on people to assemble at Central Park at 5 pm on Friday with the national flag. The proposed demonstration, named “Lehra Do Tiranga”, follows the detention of CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka during an earlier protest.

Why Delhi Police proposed limiting the gathering

In its statement, Delhi Police cited the prevailing security and law-and-order situation in the area. It also referred to information from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) that Central Park would remain closed on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Neha Yadav said the NDMC had informed the police about the closure and had asked that no gathering be allowed near the park.

The police also cited representations from trader and market associations in Connaught Place and surrounding areas. According to the police, the associations had raised concerns about unlawful assemblies and their impact on businesses, particularly during the festive season.

Police warned that violations of Section 163 BNSS would invite appropriate legal action. It also stressed that the national flag must be displayed and carried, and the national anthem sung, in the prescribed manner with due respect and dignity.

Delhi High Court declines to stop CJP protest

The proposed gathering reached the Delhi High Court after a vendor sought intervention over concerns about disruption to businesses and public movement in Connaught Place.

On Thursday, the court declined to restrain the CJP from holding the protest. It recorded the police’s assurance that all possible measures under the law would be taken to regulate the gathering and maintain peace.

The petition was filed by a vendor at Palika Bazar in Connaught Place, who raised concerns about the potential impact of the demonstration on traders and others working in the area.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the authorities, told the court that steps had already been taken to regulate the proposed protest.

CJP’s protest call follows detention of party members

Dipke’s October 16 protest call follows earlier demonstrations over alleged electoral fraud. CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka are in jail on trespass charges after raising the national flag at Jantar Mantar earlier this week, according to the report.

The party has been protesting over alleged electoral fraud and has raised questions about the Election Commission.

Dipke has urged people to gather at Central Park with the national flag, arguing that raising the Tricolour should not be treated as a crime.

The police’s proposal to facilitate a group of 11 people came as the authorities sought to prevent a larger gathering at the site. The CJP’s response to the police’s offer was still awaited in the report published on October 15.

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Actor Imran Khan asked to leave India after CJP protest

Actor Imran Khan has been asked to leave India by October 28, days after participating in a protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Mumbai.

Published

7 hours ago

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October 15, 2026

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Actor Imran Khan, nephew of Bollywood star Aamir Khan, has been asked to leave India by the Mumbai Police, days after participating in a protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Mumbai.

According to the notice, the actor has been given until October 28 to leave the country. The development follows his participation in the demonstration, which brought the actor into the spotlight over his involvement in a political protest.

Imran Khan is believed to hold US citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card rather than full Indian citizenship, according to the report.

What led to the notice against Imran Khan?

The notice came days after Imran Khan joined a protest called by the CJP in Mumbai. The group, described as a satirical political organisation, had called for the demonstration.

The actor’s participation was followed by action from the authorities, with the Mumbai Police directing him to leave India by the specified deadline.

The notice does not, by itself, mean that the actor has already left the country or has been deported. October 28 is the deadline mentioned for his departure.

Imran Khan and his citizenship status

Imran Khan is known for his work in Hindi films, including Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and Delhi Belly. He is also the nephew of actor Aamir Khan.

The report states that Imran Khan is believed to be a US citizen and hold an OCI card. OCI status does not confer Indian citizenship, although it provides eligible foreign citizens of Indian origin with specified privileges under Indian law.

The notice directing the actor to leave India follows his participation in the Mumbai protest. The reported development has brought attention to the intersection of immigration rules and the participation of foreign nationals in political demonstrations.

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Election Commission orders voter roll revision in 17 states, UTs

The Election Commission has ordered a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union Territories. Draft rolls are scheduled for November 12, with final rolls due on January 4, 2027.

Published

8 hours ago

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October 15, 2026

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union Territories, with the exercise aimed at facilitating voter registration and including eligible electors who may have been left out during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The order was issued on Thursday, October 15, amid continuing political controversy over the SIR process and concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the exclusion of names from electoral rolls.

Under the announced schedule, January 1, 2027, will be the qualifying date for the revision. The draft electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on November 12, while the final rolls are due on January 4, 2027. Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, two states included in the exercise, are scheduled to go to the polls by February 2027.

Which states and Union Territories are covered?

The Special Summary Revision will cover the following 17 states and Union Territories:

  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Assam
  • Bihar
  • Chhattisgarh
  • Goa
  • Gujarat
  • Kerala
  • Lakshadweep
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Manipur
  • Puducherry
  • Punjab
  • Rajasthan
  • Tamil Nadu
  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Uttarakhand
  • West Bengal

The Election Commission’s order follows earlier instructions issued to state election officials on September 29 to undertake a special drive to enrol eligible voters who had been left out, along with young and first-time electors.

Why has the Election Commission ordered the revision?

The announcement comes amid protests and political disagreements over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have raised concerns about names being excluded during the exercise.

Another point of contention has been an additional declaration required from applicants submitting Form 6 for voter enrolment while the SIR was underway. The declaration required applicants to map their parents to the last SIR, which was conducted around 20 years ago.

The Election Commission had clarified on October 7 that the additional declaration applied only in states and Union Territories where the SIR was being conducted. It said the regular forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, would apply outside the SIR period.

The latest SSR order refers to applications for inclusion through Form 6 but does not mention the additional declaration.

What happens in states not covered by the current schedule?

The Election Commission has said that the schedule for the Special Summary Revision will be announced later in states and Union Territories where the SIR is ongoing or has recently been completed.

These include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura and Telangana.

For Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, where the SIR has not yet started, the schedule for electoral roll revision will be announced in due course, taking local weather conditions into account.

The Election Commission’s latest order sets out a separate timeline for the 17 states and Union Territories covered by the current SSR exercise, while leaving the schedules for the other regions to be announced later.

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