The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acquitted Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda and a convicted rapist, in the murder case of journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati. The decision was confirmed by Ram Rahim’s legal representative on Saturday. Ramchandra Chhatrapati, who was based in Sirsa, had been critical of Ram Rahim in his newspaper, a stance that allegedly led to his killing in 2002.

Previous Convictions

In 2019, a Special CBI court had found Ram Rahim and three others—Kuldeep Singh, Nirmal Singh, and Krishan Lal—guilty of murder, sentencing them to life imprisonment. Each convict was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs 50,000. The court characterized the killing as a premeditated act, facilitated by the influence exerted by Ram Rahim over his followers.

Details of the Acquittal

The recent ruling was delivered by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Vikram Aggarwal. The court’s decision to acquit Ram Rahim was based on a reassessment of the evidence presented during the trial. Despite this acquittal, it is important to note that Ram Rahim is currently serving a 20-year sentence for raping two of his female followers and remains incarcerated at Sunaria jail in Rohtak.

Violence Following Previous Convictions

The conviction in the rape case against Ram Rahim in 2017 precipitated violence in Panchkula and other regions of Haryana, resulting in over 40 casualties and numerous injuries when his followers clashed with police forces. This incident has been deemed a significant moment in Haryana’s recent history, showcasing the intense loyalty of Ram Rahim’s followers.

Further Legal Developments

In another major legal proceeding, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier acquitted Ram Rahim and four co-accused in the 2002 murder of a former Dera official, Ranjit Singh. All defendants, including Ram Rahim, had received life sentences from a Special CBI court in Panchkula for their involvement in this murder case. Ranjit Singh was reportedly killed while working in his fields in Kurukshetra district.

Parole Controversies

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s detention has been a topic of considerable debate, especially following his release on a 40-day parole in January 2023. His temporary releases have been met with public criticism and have raised concerns over security, given the history of violence associated with his followers. These events continue to influence the public perception of both Ram Rahim and the legal actions surrounding him.

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