NEW DELHI: President
Ram Nath Kovind on Friday condemned violence and damage to public property by followers of the
Dera Sacha Sauda and asked all people to maintain peace.
Widespread violence broke out in several parts of Haryana, Punjab as well as the national capital after a special CBI court convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief
Gurmeet Ram Rahim of rape.
"Violence and damage to public property after court verdict is highly condemnable; appeal to all citizens to maintain peace," the president said in a tweet.
Thousands of followers of the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda went on the rampage, setting fire to vehicles, buildings and railway stations soon after the court in Panchkula delivered its verdict in the 2002 rape case.
At least 28 people were killed and 250 injured in the widespread violence, arson and police firing.