Guru Ram Rahim Singh convicted in 2002 rape case
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, chief of Dera Sacha Sauda based in Haryana's Sirsa, has been convicted in a 2002 rape case. The quantum of punishment will be announced on August 28. For now, he won't be taken to jail and is likely to be kept in Panchkula under security. Meanwhile, army has been deployed in Haryana and Punjab to prevent incidents of violence.
Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
Ram Rahim Singh, born on August 15, 1967, has been the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda since September 23, 1990. He is known for his varied styles of discourses- from 'naam charcha' to 'ru-ba-ru nights'. The guru has starred in movies based on himself ('Messenger of God'), where he rode bikes and performed miracles. He has released several albums, including one called 'Love Charger'.
What's the case against him?
Ram Rahim Singh is accused of sexually exploiting two followers in 2002. The alleged crime happened at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. In 10 years, Singh moved over 50 petitions in different courts till they admonished him for "delaying proceedings". The victims have stood by their statements. Singh is also accused of murders of two men who reported "wrongdoings" inside the Dera campus.
In anticipation of violence, Panchkula becomes a virtual fortress
Days ahead of the verdict, lakhs of followers made their way to Panchkula and Sirsa have been camping there. Punjab and Haryana are on high alert. Mobile internet services have been suspended. Bus and train services have been curtailed. Thousands of army and police personnel have been deployed in sensitive zones. The roads of Panchkula wore a deserted look.
