Panchkula Police on Wednesday said that the conspiracy by Dera Sacha Sauda followers to trigger violence in Panchkula on August 25 was reportedly planned at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa, Haryana, on August 17.
The police made the revelation in a local court while seeking 14 days’ remand of Honeypreet Insan, adopted daughter of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
Police had vital clues to indicate that the August 25 violence was planned well in advance and that they needed to question Honeypreet regarding it. At least 35 people were killed and hundreds were injured in the violence following conviction of Ram Rahim in 2002 rape case.
The state government’s counsel argued in court that the police needed Honeypreet’s custody to verify her role in the August 17 meeting. Police officials said that needed to make crucial recoveries from Honeypreet, including mobile phone, SIM cards and other materials. The court finally sent Honeypreet to six days’ police remand.
After being on the run for over a month, Honeypreet was arrested on Tuesday from Zirakpur-Patiala road. She broke down in the court and claimed innocence saying she had been falsely implicted. SK Garg Narwana, who appeared for Honeypreet, told the court, “She came with her father in heavy police security. All were in a good mood but unfortunately the verdict came against them. She was immediately taken to Rohtak with the dera chief in a helicopter.Under such circumstances, she cannot be held responsible for any conspiracy related to the August 25 violence.”
Honeypreet topped the list of 43 people ‘wanted’ by the Haryana Police in connection with the incidents of violence. A lookout notice and an arrest warrant were issued against her by the Haryana Police after she was booked at Sector 5 police station in Panchkula along with Dera functionaries Aditya Insan and Surinder Dhiman for allegedly inciting violence in Panchkula.
On September 26, the Delhi High Court had dismissed the transit anticipatory bail plea of Honeypreet Insan.
