NEW DELHI, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 people were killed and scores injured Friday after violence erupted in northern Indian state of Haryana following conviction of self-styled godman and spiritual guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case, local media reported.
The violence broke out in Panchkula district near Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana.
"We are collecting the details and will be able to issued the exact number of casualties once the official confirmation comes in," a local official in Chandigarh told Xinhua.
However, local media put the death toll at around 13.
"Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrashi has confirmed that 13 people have died as a result of violence in Panchkula and nearby areas, adding that the center was continuously monitoring the situation. Yes, the situation is serious but yet not out of control," News 18 TV channel said.
Over 100 people were reported injured in the violence.
Officials said police fired warning shots and tear gas to disperse the supporters of Singh, who had been gathering in Panchkula over the past three days and went on rampage following arrest of their leader.
Despite authorities having deployed thousands of police and paramilitary troopers, the followers resorted to violence in Haryana, Punjab and New Delhi.
Indian army has also been put on stand-by to contain the situation.
Reports said the mob torched at least two railway stations, a power grid and petrol pump in Haryana. In Delhi, a train has been set on fire in Anand Vihar and two buses have also been torched.
The supporters of Singh also attacked media workers and torched their outdoor broadcasting vehicles and several other vehicles.
A local court Friday afternoon in its verdict said Singh was guilty of raping his two women followers in 2002. Singh was arrest from the court and the sentence will be pronounced on Monday.
Authorities have cordoned off Singh's sprawling headquarters on the outskirts of Sirsa town in Haryana.
The 50-year-old Singh heads a religious sect locally called Dera Sacha Sauda. The sect claims to be a "social welfare and spiritual organization."
Singh, the flamboyant and controversial chief, claims to have 50 million followers and runs a spiritual empire. In his movies "MSG: The Messenger of God" and "MSG2", Singh wears dazzling costumes, rides motorcycle, and is seen sending villains flying.
Fearing mobilization of crowds and rumor-mongering, authorities have snapped internet in Haryana and Punjab, reports said.
A high alert has been sounded in Punjab, Haryana and New Delhi.
