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Rioting, arson, mayhem: Dera goons on rampage post Ram Rahim’s conviction

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Over 30 killed, hundreds injured, riots spread as Dera goons unleash mayhem post Godman Ram Rahim’s conviction in rape case

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Despite threats of widespread violence by followers of the Dera chief in the run up to his conviction, BJP’s Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana fails to contain aftermath of the Panchkula court verdict. Violence spreads to Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh as government’s claims of preparedness in dealing with the verdict’s fallout are exposed

The writing on the wall had been clear for the past week.

Threats of violence and arson had been issued by followers of self-styled Godman, the controversial, ostentatious and politically connected Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim Singh ‘Insaan’, should he be convicted in the 2002 rape case filed against him. Haryana’s Manohar Lal Khattar government had repeatedly claimed, even till Friday morning, that it was prepared to deal with any aftermath of the verdict. The Army had been called in to secure Panchkula – where the local court’s verdict was due – and the state police had been deployed in huge numbers. Section 144 (curfew) had been imposed in various parts of the state.

Yet, as soon as the Panchkula court pronounced its verdict – holding the Dera chief guilty of the charge of rape – Haryana burned, the fire spread quickly to neighbouring states of Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In clashes with the police and security personnel, over 30 civilians – including Dera arsonists and innocent people caught in the mayhem – were murdered by 8 pm on Friday, a majority of them in Panchkula. Over 200 people have been injured. The casualty figures are still rising with every passing hour.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered that the properties of the Dera Sachha Sauda will be attached and the outfit will have to compensate for the loss to property caused in the riots.

Late in the evening, by when Section 144 had been imposed across different riot-hit parts of Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, and public outrage over the killings and arson had given rise to vociferous demands by common citizens and Opposition parties alike for the Haryana chief minister’s resignation, Khattar emerged to appeal for calm. Why, despite all signs of trouble, the chief minister had failed to press in adequate measures to control the rioting was something that Khattar was predictably silent on.

Adding insult to injury was Union home minister Rajnath Singh who instead of batting for a full scale inquiry into lapses by the Haryana government, the state’s police and other law enforcement agencies claimed that the Khattar administration “cannot be held responsible for the violence”. Similar and worse claims were made by ministers and officials in the Khattar administration ranging from “what can be done about this”, “we can’t be blamed”, “this is unfair scrutiny”, etc.

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”. 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 the 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?

Over 30 killed, hundreds injured, riots spread as Dera goons unleash mayhem post Godman Ram Rahim’s conviction in rape case

The Haryana government, which has had a very public rapport with the now convicted Dera chief – who during the Haryana assembly polls in 2014 had appealed for votes for the BJP – had made an open display of its willingness to play along with the gameplan of Ram Rahim and his supporters. What else would explain allowing the Dera chief – who also enjoys a Z+ category security cover given by the government – to drive from Sirsa to Panchkula in a convoy of over 100 vehicles, filled with his rabid followers, despite imposition of curfew in various places that fell en route?

There were also reports from media persons deployed in the conflict areas that although several companies of the Army had been deployed in and around Panchkula and Sirsa, the Army personnel had been instructed to not use force – not even the famed pellet guns – against the violent protestors. Tear gas was the weapon of choice to disperse those who were armed with swords, crude petrol bombs and other weapons.

As the riots spread, till well past 8 pm on Friday night, the Centre and Haryana government were clearly still trying to get a grasp of the worsening law and order situation. There had been no appeal for peace and calm from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers, nor had the violence stopped.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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