The CBI court today convicted Gurmeet Ram Rahim under section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code.
The high-voltage drama that started from Dera Sacha Sauda's Sirsa headquarters ended at the CBI Court in Panchkula with conviction of powerful sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
Earlier during the day, legions of ardent devotees tried to stop his motorcade in the five hour journey to the court. Reports said that there were over 800 vehicles in the cavalcade. Despite the followers' appeal that their 'Guru' was innocent, the self-styled Godman has been found guilty and sent to the Rohtak jail. The court will decide the quantum of punishment on August 28.
There are reports that police fired tear gas in Panchkula's Sector 2 where many Dera supporters have been camping.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has directed the Chandigarh administration to provide free medical service, counselling and necessary help to the girl who had accused sexual assault by Ram Rahim in 2002. The top court has said that all necessary steps must be taken to protect her identity. The apex court has also ordered to make a fixed deposit of Rs 9 Lakh for the rape survivor and asked hospital to keep her medical records in a sealed cover.
Here are the details of the case:
Charges against Gurmeet Ram Rahim
The sexual exploitation case was registered against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in 2002 by the CBI on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Anonymous letters lead to the FIR
The rape allegations came to light when anonymous letters were circulated about the alleged sexual exploitation of two "Sadhvis" (female followers) by Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim inside the Dera campus on the outskirts of Sirsa town in Haryana.
Trial
Dera chief was charged in 2007 and the trial began the following year after the CBI took the testimonies of the two women. The CBI submitted a charge sheet on July 30, 2007. The court framed charges against Singh under sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code on September 6, 2008. With the verdict on August 25, 2017, the court will decide the quantum of punishment on Monday.
Dera chief on allegations
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh had denied these charges.
The Dera had described itself as a 'social welfare and spiritual organization'. Gurmeet Ram Rahim claimed to have 50 million followers and runs a spiritual empire.
Thousands of Dera followers are expected to gather at Panchkula for the verdict by a CBI court.
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