Ram Rahim verdict: 485 trains affected as violence erupts after Dera verdict

At least 445 trains were cancelled and 40 diverted after widespread violence were reported in Haryana and Punjab following the court verdict in the rape case against self-styled spiritual guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on Friday.

"As many as 485 train services have been affected (due to the violence). Of these, 445 stood cancelled," Neeraj Sharma, spokesperson, Northern Railway, said.

The Railways said the accumulative figure for cancelled trains on six days, since August 23 till August 28, was at 445.

Malout and Balluanna railway stations in Punjab were partially burnt by angry followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, officials said.

"Two stations have been affected and we are still getting inputs on the extent of damage. No injuries have been reported so far," Sharma said.

Before the court verdict, the 50-year-old Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh had appealed to his followers to maintain peace.

At least 32 people were killed and many more injured as the followers of Sirsa Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim went on a rampage in several parts of North India after the self-styled godman was convicted in a rape case.

PTI