Dera supporters reach Delhi; torch 12 DTC buses, 2 train coaches

New Delhi: The authorities in the national capital on Friday night imposed prohibitory orders here till further orders after the agitated protesters torched 12 buses and two train coaches over the Special CBI court's order convicting Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case.

A Delhi Fire Services official said at least 12 buses were set on fire allegedly by supporters of Ram Rahim in various areas of the capital in four hours after a CBI court in Haryana convicted the self-proclaimed godman for raping two women.

The incidents of arson were reported from Badarpur, Loni Border, Khyala, Mangolpuri, Azadpur, Badli, Mehrauli and Rohini.

Two train coaches were also set on fire in east Delhi allegedly by the Dera followers, Delhi Police spokesperson Madhur Verma said.

"Miscreants set on fire two coaches of the Rewa Express in the yard of the Anand Vihar terminal. The coaches were partially burnt," Verma said.

He said at least five persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the Delhi violence.

"We suspect that the miscreants were supporters of the Dera Sacha Sauda. We have got CCTV footages (from the areas where violence erupted) and action will be taken against culprits," the police official said.

Also Read: Dera Chief Conviction: After Panchkula, Sirsa, will Rohtak face violence?

He said the situation in the capital was under control and requested people to cooperate in maintaining law and order in Delhi.

Section 144 -- that bans gathering of more than four people at any one place -- was imposed almost all across the capital, including New Delhi.

The prohibitory orders in Delhi will remain in place till further orders, Verma said.

Verma said there was no more gathering of supporters of the Dera chief in Delhi.

Additional forces have been deployed across Delhi and police were patrolling areas till late night.

Delhi Police chief Amulya Patnaik said "strict legal action will be taken against miscreants for any violation" as adequate police arrangements were in place and law and order situation in the capital was "under control".