Dera violence: Cricketer Gautam Gambhir calls it 'classic case of religion marketing'

Former Indian Test cricketer Gautam Gambhir on Saturday condemned the violence and damage to public property in the wake of the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, describing the incidents as a classic case of religion marketing.

The 35-year-old, who has always been vocal about major issues in the country, could not stop himself from expressing his views on what happened in Haryana and Punjab after the self-proclaimed god man was declared guilty of raping a girl 15 years ago.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Gautam said, "Wonder what Ram & Rahim are thinking about the 'Insaan' & his misdeeds today! A classic case of religion marketing! #PanchkulaViolence."

At least 29 people died and more than 200 were injured in violence in Haryana's Panchkula city after a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court convicted Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in connection with his alleged involvement in a 2002 rape case.

His supporters had gathered outside the Panchkula court premises, went on a raging rampage, damaging vehicles (cars and buses), pulling down security barriers, attacking media persons, OB vans and public property.

The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on August 28.

-ANI