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The leader of a sect in India has been sentenced to 10 years for raping two of his followers in 2002.
A judge on Monday handed out the punishment to 50-year-old Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in Rohtak town in Haryana, a northern state.
The decision came after Singh’s verdict was delivered on Friday, an announcement that led to deadly violence as his angry supporters rioted in the streets and clashed with security forces.
More than 30 people were killed, hundreds were injured and dozens were later arrested.
A curfew was put in place on Monday in Rohtak amid fears of further violence.
In advance of sentencing, a spokesman for Singh’s sect, Dera Sacha Sauda, had urged his supporters to remain calm.
“I just want to request everyone to maintain peace at the moment,” said Dilawar Insan.
“We will explore what legal options are available to us.”
Narendra Modi, India’s prime minister, had also called for calm. (aljazeera)
