The Haryana Director General of Police (DGP), BS Sandhu, on Saturday said as many as 1,100 persons have so far been arrested, including 44 from Sirsa, over involvement in the violence that took place after verdict by the CBI court in the case of Dera Sacha Sauda chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Addressing a press conference, the DGP said arrests were being made only on the basis of evidence and search operation is under way to nab three of 43 most wanted, including dera chief’s close aide Honeypreet Insan, Pawan Insan and Aditya Insan.

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“International alert has been issued on them and teams are conducting raids to nab them,” he said.  On self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim being quizzed regarding Honeypreet’s whereabouts, Sandhu said police investigation was heading in the right direction, and whosoever required, would be interrogated.

He said until August 25 when the violence broke out in Panchkula and Sirsa resulting in death of 38 persons, no case was registered against Honeypreet. But after the arrest of a dera man, Surender Dhiman, Honeypreet was found to be accused of provoking violence. Therefore, a case was registered against her and search was on to nab her, the DGP said.

Sandhu said the police had report that after the incident Honeypreet came to dera headquarter in Sirsa. He said if required, private properties of Honeypreet, Pawan Insan and Aditya Insan, both of whom are absconding, would be attached.

Regarding involvement of police officials in the incident, DGP said strict action would be taken against whosoever was found involved. The Haryana Police had already taken action against its officers and has suspended them, he added.

Answering a question, the DGP said notices were being issued to Dera followers who had not deposited their licensed weapons, and, if needed, their licenses could be cancelled.