CHANDIGARH:
A special CBI court on Monday sentenced Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 30 lakh. He was found guilty in two rape cases and the court sentenced 10 years for each case and Rs 15 lakh each. The dera chief was convicted of rape on August 25.
Earlier today, CBI judge Jagdeep Singh was flown in a helicopter to Sunaria Jail, where a special court room was set up for pronouncing the quantum of sentence in a rape case. On hearing the sentence, 50-year-old Singh was seen weeping profusely as he sat on the floor outside the courtroom. He was then forcibly taken away by security personnel.
A three-tier security ring has been installed around Rohtak’s Sunaria district jail. The administration has issued a stern warning and is keeping vigil in the states of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi ahead of the announcement of sentence keeping in mind the violence that broke out after the verdict was announced where 38 people were killed.
The prosecution demanded maximum punishment in the case, while Ram Rahim Singh’s counsel cited his philanthropy works and sought leniency. The defence also cited the dera chief health problems.
Dismissing the defence lawyer’s arguments, CBI judge Jagdeep Singh awarded 10 years of RI to Ram Rahim Singh. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has convened an emergency meeting at his Chandigarh residence. He will be meeting senior bureaucrats, police official and BJP leaders.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said the sentence must be accepted by the people and peace must prevail. “There is total normalcy, our forces are on their toes. Will not let any untoward incident happen,” he said.
Dera Sacha Sauda chairperson Vipassana Insaan appeals to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh followers to maintain peace. Two cars have been torched by Dera Sacha Sauda supporters in Phoolka area of Haryana’s Sirsa.
