self-styled spiritual guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh refused to leave the courtroom and wept, begging for leniency. "Mujhe maaf kar do (forgive me)," pleaded the flamboyant chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, who claims a legion of followers.
"In a strategic manner, a conspiracy is being hatched to defame the Indian culture," the Unnao lawmaker remarked.
Death toll in Panchkula violence reached 30 after people sustained injuries in Panchkula following the violent clashes between Dera Sacha Sauda supporters and police forces.
The verdict will be pronounced on Friday by the special CBI in Panchkula which has asked the self-styled godman, whose sect is headquartered at Sirsa in Haryana, to remain present at the time of the judgment.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday directed authorities to withdraw 1,000 police personnel from VVIP security and deploy them to strengthen security in the state, an official said.
"This year Durga Puja and Muharram fall on same day. Except 24 hour period on Muharram day, immersions can take place on October 2, 3 and 4", the West Bengal CM said on Wednesday night.