Police fired in the air and also lobbed tear gas and let loose water cannons on the protesters to quell the violence, which appeared to be spreading in Haryana, Punjab and even Rajasthan.
The duty doctor at the Civil Hospital in Panchkula said at least five people were killed.
A reporter of CNN News 18 TV said a steady stream of ambulances was bringing scores of injured people to the hospital, soaked in blood. He described the scene as "chaos." It was not clear if the injuries were due to police action or violence by Dera followers.
It said at least 100 people were injured and eight people may have died, but this could not be immediately confirmed.
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At least three OB vans of private television channels were damaged. Two vans were overturned by a mob.
The glass shattered and one of the occupants of the van was heard moaning. The video then showed his bloodied face.
The police fired in the air and lobbed tear gas shells on sections of the crowds, many of them camping since last night on the streets of Panchkula.
The police also used water cannons and batons on the protesters to bring the situation under control.
The punishment can be a jail term of not less than seven years but may even extend to life imprisonment.
Army personnel and central paramilitary forces took positions around the CBI court complex in Panchkula, as the area close to the complex was sealed.
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