The Haryana government on Saturday reinstated the former Deputy Commissioner of Police of Panchkula, Ashok Kumar, who had been suspended after massive violence when Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim Singh was found guilty of raping two of his followers.

An official spokesperson said Kumar has been posted as commandant, 1st Battalion, Haryana Armed Police, Ambala City, The Hindu reported. “The reinstatement of Mr Kumar is subject to the final outcome of departmental proceedings pending against him,” the spokesperson said.

More than 35 people had died in the violence in August when Dera followers had gone on a rampage. According to reports, Kumar and the police had not issued adequate orders banning Dera followers from assembling, because of which thousands of them gathered in parts of the state once Singh was pronounced guilty. Kumar was suspended on August 26.

Singh was sentenced to 20 years in prison after he was convicted of raping two of his followers in 2002.