High security for guru rape verdict

PANCHKULA, India - Several cities were under a security lockdown on Thursday ahead of a verdict in a rape trial involving a controversial and hugely popular spiritual leader.

Tens of thousands of followers of the flamboyant guru of the quasi-religious sect Dera Sacha Sauda have gathered in the town of Panchkula, where a special court is set to announce a verdict on Friday.

The guru, who calls himself Saint Doctor Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, has denied the charges of raping two of his female followers.