The recent acquittal of self-styled Gurmeet Ram Rahim and four others in the 2002 murder case of Dera Sacha Sauda's former manager, Ranjit Singh, by the Punjab and Haryana High Court has sparked renewed attention on the circumstances surrounding the crime and its aftermath.
Ranjit Singh's murder, which occurred in July 2002, was a significant event linked to allegations of exploitation within the Dera Sacha Sauda organization. Singh was suspected of being involved in circulating an anonymous letter that accused the Dera of exploiting female disciples. This letter eventually led to a rape case being registered against Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the same year.
The court's recent verdict acquitting Gurmeet Ram Rahim and others of involvement in Singh's murder comes after they were awarded life imprisonment by a CBI special court in 2021. The case saw several twists and turns, including eyewitness testimonies, allegations of threats, and claims regarding the involvement of Dera members in the crime.
In addition to the murder case, Gurmeet Ram Rahim has faced numerous legal challenges, including his conviction in two rape cases that resulted in his imprisonment. Questions have also been raised about the frequent paroles and furloughs granted to him during his incarceration, with some alleging political motivations behind these decisions.
Furthermore, Gurmeet Ram Rahim has pending cases against him, including the castration case involving allegations of the forced castration of 400 devotees and a blasphemy case related to allegations of hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.
The recent acquittal in the Ranjit Singh murder case adds another layer of complexity to the legal saga surrounding Gurmeet Ram Rahim and underscores the ongoing scrutiny of his actions and the operations of the Dera Sacha Sauda organization.
