Chandigarh: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's 'Z-plus' security cover was withdrawn after his conviction in a rape case adding that the jailed godman will not be brought to Panchkula for the sentencing on Monday, Haryana Chief Secretary DS Dhesi said here on Saturday.
Addressing a joint press conference with Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) BS Sandhu, the state Home Secretary said, "The moment he was arrested, his 'Z plus' security cover stood automatically withdrawn.”
Both Dhesi and Sandhu denied that the flamboyant godman was being provided VIP treatment by the state and the police in Rohtak prison.
"He is being treated as an ordinary prisoner. It was reported that he was being an air conditioner, there is nothing like that. As far as food is concerned, he is served the same food which other prisoners have," Dhesi clarified.
The DGP and Chief Secretary confirmed that the woman, who accompanied the godman to the prison after he was taken into custody was his daughter.
Meanwhile, Rohtak Deputy Commissioner Atul Kumar asked the people to maintain peace and not to believe rumours. He also said that their endeavour was to ensure that Rohtak district and Sunaria jail remains secure.
Meanwhile, after moving the Army to surround the headquarters of the Dera Sacha Sauda near Sirsa town in Haryana, the Army and the Haryana government clarified on Saturday afternoon that the forces had still not entered the sect's headquarters complex.
The Army along with the police and paramilitary forces have put up barricades at entry points of the Dera Sacha Sauda premises.
An estimated one lakh people, including women and children, were present in the sect headquarters. The Army and district authorities have been appealing through loudspeakers, asking those inside to leave the premises.
The maverick self-styled godman was on Friday convicted of rape by a court in Panchkula, triggering widespread violence and arson in Haryana where at least 31 people were killed and over 250 injured after which curfew was imposed and several other places.
