With the judgement in the rape case to be pronounced in next few hours, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh left for Panchkula in a large cavalcade on Friday morning to appear in court.
Though Mr. Singh was to leave by helicopter earlier, he decided to go by road in the last-minute change of plan. The cavalcade comprised several hundred cars.
Meanwhile, uneasy calm prevailed in the city in the morning ahead of the verdict with the markets closed and all major roads wearing a deserted look.
After the curfew was imposed in three villages and parts of the city late on Thursday evening, the police vehicles could be seen plying on the roads in the morning to ensure that prohibition orders were not violated. The road leading to the Dera headquarters was heavily barricaded with jersey barriers and the vehicles and individuals were not allowed to go past it.
Possibility of violence
Ramesh, who had come for a walk in a park in the city despite prohibition orders, said: "Despite all security arrangements and heavy police presence there is a deep sense of fear. In 2007, several shops were set afire after a controversy over Dera chief dressing up as Sikh Guru. It can be even worst this time around," said Ramesh.
People could, however, be seen standing outside their homes and on roofs in the internal roads of the city.
"Even if the decision is favourable, there is still a possibility of violence. The supporters of Asha Ram and Baba Rampal may then take to streets accusing the government and the court of acting under pressure," said Rambir, a resident of Shanti Nagar.
In sharp contrast, the one-km-long stretch outside the Dera was teeming with activities as followers sat in groups on both sides of the road sipping morning tea and having breakfast.
The police chose to stay away from the Dera headquarters with the nearest barricade around 10 km away.
Published - August 25, 2017 10:51 am IST
