Gautam Gambhir takes his stand on the Panchkula riots

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has deplored the violence and destruction to public property in the wake of the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The left-hander took to Twitter describing the incidents as a classic case of religion marketing. The 35-year-old, who has always been vocal about major and pressing issues in the country could not stop himself from expressing his views on the recent mishap that happened in Haryana and Punjab after the self-proclaimed god man was declared guilty of raping a girl in 2002.

Following the arrest, the situation deteriorated. His supporters, who were gathered outside the Panchkula court premises, went on a raging rampage, damaging vehicles, pulling down security barriers, attacking media persons, OB vans and public property. The Indian army had to be deployed to get the situation under control.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Gautam said, “Wonder what Ram & Rahim are thinking about the ‘Insaan’ & his misdeeds today! A classic case of religion marketing! #PanchkulaViolence.”

Nearly three hours of arson and vandalism leaves people of Panchkula scarred

Despite national forces being deployed, the riots became more violent and spread like a wildfire to other parts of Punjab and soon reached the borders of Delhi. Several coaches of a train were torched in Anand Vihar on the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border, and a bus was set on fire in Loni. Nearly three hours of arson and vandalism left the people of Panchkula scarred.

The Haryana government has also come under heavy criticism for allowing at least 1.5 lakh followers of Dera Sacha Sauda, the sect headed by Ram Rahim, to gather at Panchkula for the verdict, despite a ban on large gatherings. However, Haryana DGP Sandhu claims that although there was some ongoing tension in Sirsa, the situation is much calmer now.

Sandhu said that over 550 Dera Sacha Sauda supporters had been detained and 65 vehicles confiscated. Three rifles and three pistols were also seized from the rioters. According to Sandhu, around 60 policemen of the task force have received injuries in the clashes.

The degree of punishment for Ram Rahim’s crime will be pronounced on August 28.

This is Gambhir’s tweet

Wonder what Ram & Rahim are thinking about the 'Insaan' & his misdeeds today! A classic case of religion marketing! #PanchkulaViolence

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 26, 2017