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Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh sentenced to 20 years in jail

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7 years ago

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Gurmeet Ram Rahim

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]CBI to appeal in higher court seeking life term for the self-styled Godman for raping two of his Dera followers in 2002 even as problems set to increase for the ‘Guru in Bling’ with court proceedings nearing conclusion in two murder cases in which he is the key accused

Three days after his conviction in twin rape cases dating back to 2002 led his followers to unleash havoc on the streets of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi, Dera Sachha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was sentenced to 20 years in jail by special CBI court judge Jagdeep Singh.

Though for a better part of Monday, after a special CBI court set up in the Sunaria jail premises – where the Dera chief has been lodged since Friday – pronounced the quantum of punishment against him, it was believed that Gurmeet Ram Rahim will serve 10 years, it later transpired that CBI judge Singh had awarded him a total of 20 years in jail – 10 each for the two rape cases in which he was convicted.

“The judge announced 10 years of imprisonment and Rs 15 lakh fine each in two cases. Rs 14 lakh each to be paid to both victims,” SK Narwana, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s lawyer, told news agency ANI. The lawyer explained that the “total sentence is 20(10-10) years, both sentences not consecutive but sentence of 376 and 506 would run concurrently”. Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal also confirmed that the Dera chief will serve a total of 20 years in jail.

It was earlier believed that the 10-year jail term awarded to the Guru in Bling, as the Dera chief is often called due to his love for gaudy costumes, was to be served concurrently for the two cases, but the special CBI judge seems to have ruled that he serve 10 years each for raping the 2 women.

The sentencing took place at a special sitting of the CBI court within the Sunaria jail premises in Haryana’s Rohtak district where the rapist Godman has been lodged since his conviction.

Amid demands by the public at large and also by the counsel of the CBI which investigated the rape case for sentencing the rapist Godman to serve a life sentence, the CBI court was bound by legal compulsions to award 10 years of rigorous imprisonment per case to the accused. The case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh had been registered in 2002 and legal provisions of the law against rape that applied during this period allow a maximum jail term of 10 years on conviction, the minimum being seven.

The special CBI court had to decline the CBI’s plea of a life term for the Dera chief as such a sentence for a rape convict was provided under the law only after 2013 in the aftermath of the public outrage over the December 2012 Nirbhaya (Delhi) gang rape case. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which allowed amendments to relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, and Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 on laws related to sexual offences had changed the limit on quantum of sentence that can be awarded to rape convicts from the earlier 7 to 10 years to a minimum of 10 years and maximum imprisonment for life.

However, with clarity now emerging on the actual stint that the rapist Godman is expected to serve in jail – unless the conviction is set aside by a higher court or the quantum of punishment reduced – those demanding life imprisonment for Gurmeet Ram Rahim may finally feel that a better sort of justice has been meted out.

CBI judge Jagmeet Singh had been flown in to Rohtak from Chandigarh in a helicopter due to the obvious risk to his life given the violent protests by Dera followers that claimed over 35 lives in Panchkula and Sirsa districts of Haryana in Friday’s mob mayhem. While all roads leading to the Sunaria jail were guarded heavily by the police and paramilitary forces, Rohtak town itself had been turned into a fortress to prevent a repeat of Friday’s violence which had forced the Punjab and Haryana high court to give a tight wrap on the knuckles to the state’s Manohar Lal Khattar government and even reprimand the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government for evident failures in checking Dera followers from going on a rampage. The Army has been kept on standby while all routes to the jail were sealed.

As proceedings to announce the quantum of sentence against the Dera chief began at the special courtroom set up inside the Sunaria jail, Ram Rahim’s lawyers pleaded for a lenient sentence citing the “philanthropy work done by the Dera chief” and claiming that he “suffered various medical complications”. The 50-year-old Godman, who has been known for his ostentatious lifestyle and gaudy costumes but will now be forced to wear the uniform of a prison inmate as Prisoner Number 1997 of the Sunaria jail, was also present for the proceedings.

As CBI judge Singh pronounced the quantum of sentence, sources say, the Dera chief broke down and sat on the floor of the make-shift courtroom, refusing to leave the premises. Shortly after, he complained of chest pain while still sobbing. Prison and police authorities were forced to drag the Dera chief out of the court premises and he was then taken for medical examination.

Honeypreet

It is learnt that the court has also reprimanded the Sunaria jail authorities and police for giving special treatment to the Dera chief and said this must stop immediately after he is transferred to his jail cell. The court has made it clear that the Dera chief must be made to serve his sentence like an ordinary prisoner. Sources said that CBI judge Singh also ticked off the prison and police officials for allowing an almost the Dera chief’s aide Honeypreet ‘unrestricted access’ to him. Honeypreet was with Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the chopper that was used to ferry him from Panchkula to Rohtak after he was convicted last week and she had accompanied him to the Sunaria jail too. Although she didn’t stay at the Sunaria prison with the Dera chief through the weekend, sources said she visited him for long hours and was present in the prison on Monday too when the Dera chief was taken for sentencing .

Rabid followers of the rapist Godman have asserted that they will appeal in the higher courts against his conviction in the rape case and claimed that the court and probe agency had been “unfair” to him by giving him a 10-year jail term.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1503923411562{margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-top-width: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 20px !important;padding-top: 20px !important;background-color: #a2b1bf !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sentence is just the beginning of Dera chief’s troubles:

His conviction in the 15-year-old rape case isn’t the end of troubles for the Dera chief. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is also accused in at least two murder cases – that of journalist Ramchandra Chatrapati, who ran a local newspaper in Sirsa called ‘Poora Sach’. Chatrapati was killed in October 2002 after he had published a series of reports on rape of a woman follower by the Dera chief. The second murder case pertains to that of one Ranjit Singh and dates back to 2002.

Anshul Chhatrapati

The slain journalist’s son, Anshul, who has carried on his father’s fight against the Dera chief and also the legal battle for getting justice for Ramchandra Chhatrapati’s murder, welcomes the court’s decision, on Monday, while hoping that other cases against Gurmeet Ram Rahim will also reach their logical conclusion soon.

The trial in both these cases is in an advanced stage at the CBI has maintained that both these cases are built on strong evidence against the dubious Godman and would earn him convictions.

Then there is a case of disappearance of a Dera manager, Fakir Chand. Another case against the Dera chief is of forcing some ‘sewadars’ in his Dera at Sirsa to undergo castration. Now that Gurmeet Ram Rahim is in jail, there is a possibility that more eyewitnesses may come forward to testify against him in these ongoing cases.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A 15-year-old case that finally reached its conclusion:

The special CBI court of judge Jagdeep Singh in Panchkula last Friday held Ram Rahim guilty of rape in a case that was registered on the basis of an anonymous written complaint in April 2002 alleging that he had sexually exploited two female followers. The case was registered by the CBI in December 2002 on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The CBI had filed the chargesheet against the Dera chief in an Ambala court in July 2007, five years after the rape case was registered. The chargesheet mentions sexual exploitation of two ‘Sadhvis’ (women followers) between 1999 and 2001.

The special CBI court framed charges against Ram Rahim under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC in September 2008. Over the next two years, the two complainants recorded their statements before the court.

The special CBI court shifted from Ambala to Panchkula and the case against Ram Rahim Singh was also transferred to this court.

In July 2017, the court ordered daily hearings in the case following which arguments of prosecution and defence concluded on August 17, 2017 with the Dera chief being held guilty of rape on August 25.

Victim’s lawyer to approach HC for enhancement of punishment

Utsav Singh Bains, lawyer for the victims, said he would seek a longer sentence and asked India’s federal investigations bureau to investigate dozens more alleged cases of abuse.

“We will file two appeals shortly. One for enhancement of the punishment and another for further investigation into the case,” Bains told AFP by phone.

“We believe there are at least 48 more victims who were sexually abused and who may have been killed or are too scared to come out and testify against Ram Rahim,” Bains said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Karnataka’s Republic Day tableau depicts artistic temples of Lakkundi

Beyond its religious significance, Lakkundi’s historical importance cannot be overstated. Once a flourishing commercial hub between the 10th and 12th centuries AD, the city flourished under the rule of various dynasties, with the Chalukyas leaving an indelible mark on its cultural landscape.

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January 26, 2025

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Karnataka’s 76th Republic Day tableau paid a vibrant tribute to Lakkundi, a historical city nestled in Gadag district, approximately 70 km from Hubballi. Acclaimed as the “Cradle of Stone Craft,” Lakkundi’s architectural splendour took centre stage in the parade along Kartavya Path.

The tableau’s design masterfully captured the essence of Lakkundi’s rich heritage. The forefront showcased the majestic Brahma statue from the Brahma Jinalaya temple, the oldest Jain shrine in the city, dedicated to Lord Mahaveera. Its intricate details and imposing presence immediately drew the viewer’s attention, setting the tone for the tableau’s narrative.

Following the Brahma statue was a depiction of the open-pillared mantapa of the Brahma Jinalaya temple, a testament to the sophisticated architectural techniques employed during the era. The open structure, with its elegant pillars and intricate carvings, added another layer of visual appeal to the tableau’s composition.

The tableau’s main section provided a breathtaking glimpse into the grandeur of Lakkundi’s most prominent temples. The Kashi Vishweshwara temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stood as a symbol of architectural mastery. Its ornate carvings and imposing structure were vividly represented, highlighting the city’s rich religious and cultural tapestry. Completing the ensemble was the Nanneshwara temple, another significant Shiva temple in Lakkundi, further emphasizing the city’s devotion to Lord Shiva.

The temples of Lakkundi are not merely structures of stone; they are living testaments to the syncretic nature of Karnataka’s culture. They reflect a harmonious blend of different faiths and traditions, showcasing the state’s long-held reputation for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Karnataka, known as the “SarvaJanangadaShaanthiya Thota” or “garden of peace,” embraces diversity, and Lakkundi’s temples embody this spirit.

Beyond its religious significance, Lakkundi’s historical importance cannot be overstated. Once a flourishing commercial hub between the 10th and 12th centuries AD, the city flourished under the rule of various dynasties, with the Chalukyas leaving an indelible mark on its cultural landscape.

The city’s legacy extends beyond its temples; its numerous step wells and inscriptions serve as invaluable historical records. With over 50 temples, most dedicated to Lord Shiva, 101 stepwells, and 29 inscriptions, Lakkundi presents a captivating journey through time, an unparalleled treasure trove for history and architecture enthusiasts. The tableau served as a powerful reminder of Lakkundi’s enduring legacy, highlighting the artistic prowess and cultural richness of the Kalyani Chalukyas.

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K M Cherian, eminent Indian cardiac surgeon, passes away

He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London, an Honorary Member of the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1991.

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18 mins ago

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January 26, 2025

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Dr. K.M. Cherian, a towering figure in Indian medical history and a renowned cardiac surgeon, passed away on Saturday night in Bengaluru at the age of 82. His sudden death cast a pall over the nation, leaving a void in the field of cardiology and beyond. He had travelled to Bengaluru to attend a wedding when he unexpectedly collapsed.

His daughter, Sandhya Cherian, confirmed the tragic news, stating that he was rushed to Manipal Hospitals, where he was pronounced dead at 11:55 pm. The medical community mourns the loss of a true giant, a pioneer whose contributions reshaped the landscape of cardiac surgery in India.

Dr. Cherian’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of accomplishments. His pioneering spirit led him to achieve what was once considered impossible in India. In 1975, he etched his name into the annals of medical history by becoming the first surgeon in the country to successfully perform a coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

This groundbreaking achievement marked a turning point, paving the way for countless life-saving procedures and advancements in the field. His expertise and dedication earned him international acclaim, transcending geographical boundaries and establishing him as a leading authority in cardiac surgery.

His profound impact on the medical landscape is further exemplified by his instrumental role in the establishment and growth of the Madras Medical Mission (MMM) in Chennai. As Founder, Vice President, and Director of this leading healthcare institution, Dr. Cherian spearheaded its development into a centre of excellence for cardiac care. His vision and leadership nurtured a culture of innovation and excellence, shaping generations of medical professionals and leaving an indelible mark on the institution.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Cherian was recognised for his exceptional qualities and numerous accolades. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine in London, an Honorary Member of the Malaysian Association for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1991. These honours reflected not only his exceptional surgical skills but also his unwavering commitment to medical excellence and ethical practice.

Even in his final days, Dr. Cherian’s dedication to his profession and his unwavering belief in the importance of compassionate patient care shone through. Just a day before his passing, he participated in the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, where he shared his insights and experiences, emphasizing the crucial role of empathy in the doctor-patient relationship.

His words resonated deeply with the audience, underscoring his dedication to ethical medical practice and leaving a lasting impression. The nation mourns the loss of a remarkable individual, a medical visionary whose contributions continue to shape the future of cardiac care in India. His memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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Padma Awards 2025: Full list of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri awardees

The awards recognize outstanding achievements across all fields, with a focus on public service. The recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the Prime Minister.

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58 mins ago

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January 26, 2025

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The central government announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards on Saturday. These awards, conferred annually on the eve of Republic Day, represent India’s highest civilian honours. They are presented in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (for distinguished service of a higher order), and Padma Shri (for distinguished service).

The awards recognize outstanding achievements across all fields, with a focus on public service. The recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the Prime Minister.

This year, a total of 199 awards were presented: 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri. The President of India bestows these awards at a formal ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan, typically held in March or April.

List of Padma Award Winners 2024:

Padma Vibhushan:

  • Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy
  • Justice (Retd.) Jagdish Singh Khehar
  • Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia
  • Lakshminarayana Subramaniam
  • MT Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous)
  • Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous)
  • Sharda Sinha (Posthumous)

Padma Bhushan:

  • A Surya Prakash
  • Anant Nag
  • Bibek Debroy (Posthumous)
  • Jatin Goswami
  • Jose Chacko Periappuram
  • Kailash Nath Dikshit
  • Manohar Joshi (Posthumous)
  • Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti
  • Nandamuri Balakrishna
  • PR Sreejesh
  • Pankaj Patel
  • Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous)
  • Rambahadur Rai
  • Sadhvi Ritambhara
  • S Ajith Kumar
  • Shekhar Kapur
  • Shobana Chandrakumar
  • Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous)
  • Vinod Dham

Padma Shri:

  • Advaita Charan Gadanayak
  • Achyut Ramchandra Palav
  • Ajay V Bhatt
  • Anil Kumar Boro
  • Arijit Singh
  • Arundhati Bhattacharya
  • Arunoday Saha
  • Arvind Sharma
  • Ashok Kumar Mahapatra
  • Ashok Laxman Saraf
  • Ashutosh Sharma
  • Ashwini Bhide Deshpande
  • Baijnath Maharaj
  • Barry Godfray John
  • Begam Batool
  • Bharat Gupt
  • Bheru Singh Chouhan
  • Bhim Singh Bhavesh
  • Bhimawa Doddabalappa Shiilekyathara
  • Budhendra Kumar Jain
  • C S Vaidyanathan
  • Chaitram Deochand Pawar
  • Chandrakant Sheth (Posthumous)
  • Chandrakant Sompura
  • Chetan E Chitnis
  • David R Syiemlieh
  • Durga Charan Ranbir
  • Farooq Ahmad Mir
  • Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid
  • Gita Upadhyay
  • Gokul Chandra Das
  • Guruvayur Dorai
  • Harchandan Singh Bhatty
  • Hariman Sharma
  • Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale
  • Harvinder Singh
  • Hassan Raghu
  • Hemant Kumar
  • Hriday Narayan Dixit
  • Hugh and Colleen Gantzer (Posthumous)
  • Inivalappil Mani Vijayan
  • Jagadish Joshila
  • Jaspinder Narula
  • Jonas Masetti
  • Joynacharan Bathari
  • Jumde Yomgam Gamlin
  • K. Damodaran
  • K L Krishna
  • K Omanakutty Amma
  • Kishore Kunal (Posthumous)
  • L Hangthing
  • Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer
  • Lalit Kumar Mangotra
  • Lama Lobzang (Posthumous)
  • Libia Lobo Sardesai
  • M D Srinivas
  • Madugula Nagaphani Sarma
  • Mahabir Nayak
  • Mamata Shankar
  • Manda Krishna Madiga
  • Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli
  • Miriyala Apparao (Posthumous)
  • Nagendra Nath Roy
  • Narayan (Bhulai Bhai) (Posthumous)
  • Naren Gurung
  • Neerja Bhatla
  • Nirmala Devi
  • Nitin Nohria
  • Onkar Singh Pahwa
  • P Datchanamoorthy
  • Pandi Ram Mandavi
  • Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai
  • Pawan Goenka
  • Prashanth Prakash
  • Pratibha Satpathy
  • Purisai Kannappa Sambandan
  • R Ashwin
  • R G Chandramogan
  • Radha Bahin Bhatt
  • Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy
  • Ramdarash Mishra
  • Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar
  • Ratan Kumar Parimoo
  • Reba Kanta Mahanta
  • Renthlei Lalrawna
  • Ricky Gyan Kej
  • Sajjan Bhajanka
  • Sally Holkar
  • Sant Ram Deswal
  • Satyapal Singh
  • Seeni Viswanathan
  • Sethuraman Panchanathan
  • Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
  • Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Bissa)
  • Shyam Bihari Agrawal
  • Soniya Nityanand
  • Stephen Knapp
  • Subhash Khetulal Sharma
  • Suresh Harilal Soni
  • Surinder Kumar Vasal
  • Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj)
  • Syed Ainu Hasan
  • Tejendra Narayan Majumdar
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi
  • Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla
  • Vadiraj Raghavendracharya Panchamukhi
  • Vasudeo Kamath
  • Velu Assaan
  • Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar
  • Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj
  • Vijayalakshmi Deshamane
  • Vilas Dangre
  • Vinayak Lohani

Note that “(Posthumous)” indicates the award was given posthumously.

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