Mobile internet, texting cut off for 50 million because of a guru’s rape trial

A major trial of a spiritual leader convicted of raping two females in India is blocking millions of people from getting the internet on their phones.

In an effort to control rumors and chaos sparked from online comments and social media, the government shut down mobile internet services during the trial and sentencing of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of the cult-like group Dera Sacha Sauda.

The Indian states, Haryana and Punjab, shut down 2G, 3G, 4G, CDMA and GPRS, and all SMS services on mobile phones Thursday and aren't lifting the block until Tuesday. More than 25 million people live in each of those regions.  Read more...