Dera Sacha Sauda search operations: Watch live stream of the coverage on Aaj Tak

The search operations at the sprawling Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters has begun near Haryana's Sirsa town. The "sanitation" operation is being carried out in connection with the conviction of sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case. The exercise is being carried out in the premises of the Dera which is spread over 800 acres in coordination with between security forces and various government departments.

According to IndiaToday, the search is being conducted under the supervision of court commissioner AKS Pawar appointed by the Punjab and Haryana High Courts. Forty-one paramilitary companies, four Army columns, cops from as many districts, a SWAT team, and a dog squad have been deployed for the search of the Dera headquarters. Security has also been deployed at Satnam Chowk, the main entrance to the sect headquarters.

District officials say that the "mystery" over the "dirty secrets" of the Dera and its now jailed chief, who has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment by a CBI special court on two counts of rape of his female disciples, could be revealed in the search operation.

Anticipating trouble, the district authorities have imposed a curfew for the duration of the search and sanitation operations in areas surrounding of the Dera headquarters. As many as 16 "nakas" (check points) have been set up near the Dera. A total of 41 Companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in Sirsa district.

Speaking about the search operations, Dera Sacha Sauda spokesperson, Vipassana Insan said, "Dera has always followed law. Appeal followers to maintain peace."

Earlier, in the month, large-scale violence broke out in Panchkula after Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's conviction in rape cases, leaving 35 people dead. Six others also died in incidents of violence in Sirsa. Ram Rahim Singh was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

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