HC directs Dera chief to join investigations

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday directed Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to join investigations in connection with a case registered against him by Punjab Police for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Justice LN Mittal directed the Dera chief to join the investigations on August 17 at his Dera headquarters in Sirsa in Haryana.

The Judge directed that he shall cooperate with the investigating officer and shall not pose any hindrance in performance of duties by the investigators.

Punjab Police had registered a case at Bathinda on May 20 charging Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh with Section 295-A (hurting religious sentiments) following the standoff between Dera followers and the Sikhs after he had appeared in a dress similar to that of Sikh Guru Gobind Singh in various newspaper advertisements.