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India guru rape case: 12 die in unrest as Ram Rahim Singh convicted India guru rape case: 23 die in unrest as Ram Rahim Singh convicted
(35 minutes later)
At least 12 people have been killed in violent protests over the rape conviction of a popular religious leader in north India. At least 23 people have been killed in violent protests over the rape conviction of a popular religious leader in north India.
The victims are believed to be Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's followers. Angry supporters are rampaging through Panchkula town, near Chandigarh. The victims are believed to be Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's followers. Angry supporters rampaged through Panchkula town, near Chandigarh.
Reports of widespread vandalism are coming in. At least two railway stations have been set on fire.
About 2,500 of Singh's followers have been arrested, police said.About 2,500 of Singh's followers have been arrested, police said.
Earlier, followers smashed cars and set media vans alight. Earlier, his devotees smashed cars and set media vans alight, saying he was innocent.
The latest death toll was reported by Indian media and Associated Press, quoting the chief medical officer of Panchkula's hospital.
Singh, who claims to have millions of disciples, was found guilty of raping two women at the headquarters of his sect, known as Dera Sacha Sauda, in 2002.
More than 200,000 of his followers had flocked to the Chandigarh area ahead of Friday's verdict.More than 200,000 of his followers had flocked to the Chandigarh area ahead of Friday's verdict.
Thousands of army, police and paramilitary forces have been deployed. They fired tear-gas canisters and water cannon into the crowd to try to restore control, says the BBC's Ravinder Singh Robin in Panchkula. Singh, who says he has millions of disciples, was found guilty of raping two women at the headquarters of his sect, known as Dera Sacha Sauda, in 2002.
Thousands of army, police and paramilitary forces were deployed. They fired tear-gas canisters and water cannon into the crowd to try to restore control, says the BBC's Ravinder Singh Robin in Panchkula.
However, the region's police chief BS Sandhu said the violence was now under control.However, the region's police chief BS Sandhu said the violence was now under control.
Curfews have been imposed in several areas of Chandigarh city and across the state of Punjab. Curfews have been imposed in several areas of Chandigarh city and across the state of Punjab, and internet services were suspended.
Violence also spread to the capital, Delhi, where two train coaches were set on fire, according to reports.Violence also spread to the capital, Delhi, where two train coaches were set on fire, according to reports.
Singh, 50, was taken into protective custody by the army following the conviction.Singh, 50, was taken into protective custody by the army following the conviction.
The court is expected to sentence him on Monday.The court is expected to sentence him on Monday.
Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh?Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh?
Read more:Read more:
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh criticised his counterpart in the state of Haryana for allowing so many of Singh's followers to travel to Chandigarh.Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh criticised his counterpart in the state of Haryana for allowing so many of Singh's followers to travel to Chandigarh.
Chandigarh is the capital of both states. Chandigarh is the capital of both states. The border between the two states has been sealed.
The border between the two states has been sealed.
Singh had arrived at court in Panchkula, near Chandigarh, from his ashram in Haryana in a convoy of more than 100 vehicles.Singh had arrived at court in Panchkula, near Chandigarh, from his ashram in Haryana in a convoy of more than 100 vehicles.
Schools and offices in the area were closed, trains were stopped, roads were blocked and three stadiums were set aside as makeshift prisons in case of trouble, officials said.Schools and offices in the area were closed, trains were stopped, roads were blocked and three stadiums were set aside as makeshift prisons in case of trouble, officials said.