Ram Rahim Singh Found Guilty of Rape

Self-proclaimed guru Ram Rahim Singh has been found guilty of raping two women in 2002 by the CBI court. The sentence will be announced on Monday, when the quantum of his punishment will be decided. The trial against him commenced in 2008. He is also facing trials for two separate murder cases.

The Case

In 2002, a sadhvi wrote an anonymous letter to then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee saying that he had raped her. She said that he had also raped many other female followers. The CBI questioned 18 sadhvis of which two levelled allegations of rape against the leader. One of them said that the rape was justified on the grounds that it would purify her.

Singh's Rise to Popularity

Singh is the head of the spiritual sect Dera Sacha Sauda which was established by Mastaa Balochistani in 1948. It has over 46 ashrams all over the country, and as its base in the Sirsa district of Haryana.

The sect claims 50 million followers across the world, including Dalits, and backwards classes. A huge percentage among them are women.

Lakhs of his followers have gathered in Panchkula and Sirsa. They are reluctant to move. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has authorised security forces to use force, if needed; it has also warned against the use of provocative language. Army vehicles have now entered Panchkula's special CBI court.

The centre has sent 15,000 paramilitary troops to add to the many layers of police guarding Panchkula. The administration moved in more security forces into Panchkula after midnight. The guru has Z+ security cover and travels in bulletproof cars. In 2008 his cavalcade was attacked with explosives after which he got the security cover.

He has also worked as actor, director, music composer and writer on several films including highly successful “MSG: The Messenger Trilogy.” He also makes music, and has recorded under Universal label. His albums have sold millions of copies and he has performed at over 100 rock shows.

People's Reaction

Here are some reactions to the verdict on Twitter:

Even a 'God' cant escape the long arm of the law. Self-styled 'godman' Ram Rahim convicted of rape. Finally, justice for the 2 brave girls

— Harinder Baweja (@shammybaweja) August 25, 2017

Ram Rahim good bye. Now enjoy prison and let your followers know the rogue you really are!

— SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) August 25, 2017

Delays & distractions can be forgotten on a day like this. Our courts do finally reassure us that may you ever be so high, law is above you

— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) August 25, 2017

Pic Source: India Opines

Also Read: Historic Verdict: Supreme Court calls Triple Talaq Unconstitutional