Gurmeet Ram Rahim Jailed For 20 Years on Two Counts of Rape
The self-styled godman was convicted on Friday in a 2002 rape case.
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Special CBI court judge Jagdeep Singh has awarded a 20-year sentence to the Dera Sacha Sauda cult chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who was convicted on Friday in a 2002 rape case in Rohtak’s Sunaria jail. The ‘godman’ – or prisoner number 1997 at the Rohtak jail – has been kept in solitary confinement in a cell big enough for 12 prisoners.
Check out all the live updates on Ram Rahim's sentencing.
- Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh will challenge his punishment in High Court
- Convicted Dera Chief sentenced to 20 years in jail, 10 years each for two separate rape cases
- Dera chief breaks down at the makeshift court, begs for leniency
- CBI judge flown in by chopper to Rohtak jail
- A special CBI judge pronounced the sentence against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh today
- On Friday, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief was convicted of raping two of his women followers
- So far, 38 people have been killed in violence and arson that followed Ram Rahim’s conviction
CINTAA Terminates Ram Rahim's Work Permit
Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) unanimously terminated the work permit of rape convict Ram Rahim Singh on grounds of criminality and moral turpitude. The Indian Film & Television Directors Association (IFTDA) also cancelled his license after his conviction in rape case. The directors’ body also cancelled Honeypreet’s license.
No Question of Compensation to the Dead: Top Haryana Official
All the 33 people who have died in the violence that broke out in Panchkula after Ram Rahim Singh was convicted were named in a single FIR under section 146, 147, 148, 149, 186, 188, 307, 332, 352, 427, 435 and 120 B of the IPC, 25/54/59 of the Arms Act and 3 of Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) act, The Indian Express reported.
Maintaining that “no innocent person was killed”, the Haryana government said there was “no question of compensation” to the kin of the dead.
A top official of Haryana government told The Indian Express:
CM Khattar Meets Amit Shah
Haryana CM ML Khattar met BJP Chief Amit Shah to sumbit a report on the violence that broke out after Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted of raping two girls.
Speaking to the media, Khattar said:
Khattar also informed the media that the situation had normalised. On being reminded that Haryana’s BJP government had voiced support for Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s organisation Dera Sacha Sauda, he said:
He also said that Honeypreet Insan, Ram Rahim’s adoptive daughter appealed to CBI Court to be allowed into the court and jail premises but wasn’t allowed in.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Skipped Dinner Last Night
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh did not have food last night in the Sunaria jail in Rohtak.
The 50-year-old-self-styled godman drank only some water during the night and took milk in the morning, officials said. Ram Rahim did not talk with anyone and was seen roaming in the cell.
The Dera sect chief has been kept in the approval cell at Sunaria jail in Rohtak.
18 Girls Rescued from Dera Ashram
Around 18 girls have been rescued from Dera ashram, Sirsa Civil Hospital CMO Govind Gupta said. Their medical examination is currently underway.
Read the full story here.
Curfew Lifted in 5 out of 10 Districts
Peace prevailed in Haryana and Punjab today with life gradually returning to normal in violence-hit areas, a day after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two of his followers.
No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the two states, officials said.
Authorities in Sirsa gave a 12-hour curfew relaxation from 7 am after no violent incident was reported from anywhere in the district.
Curfew has already been lifted from five of the 10 districts where prohibitory orders were imposed.
Ban on mobile Internet services in Punjab and Haryana would be lifted today.
A decision on opening schools and colleges in the sensitive districts of Punjab, where these were shut for past few days, has been left to district authorities concerned, Amarinder had said yesterday.
Curfew to Be Relaxed in Sirsa From 7 AM -7 PM
With no instances of violence being reported in Sirsa after the sentencing, the district administration decided to relax curfew from 7 am to 7 pm tomorrow. During the period, schools and colleges will also remain open.
The decision was taken at a high level meeting between authorities.
Sirsa town is home to the sprawling Dera headquarters where the sect's followers had gathered in large numbers ahead of Ram Rahim's conviction.
Excerpts From the Judgement
While we await the official copy of the judgement, here are screenshots acquired from ANI.
Meanwhile, below is a detailed statement by the CBI.
20 Years in Jail, Not 10, for Gurmeet Singh
As opposed to what earlier reports said, the sentence accorded to Gurmeet Ram Rahim is 20 years and not 10 years, clarified Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar. Singh has been given a 10 year sentence each for two separate rape cases, that will run consecutively and not concurrently.
He has also been fined Rs 30 lakhs, Rs 15 lakh each for the two separate rape cases. Rs 14 lakh each will go to each of the victims.
Singh’s lawyer, SK Narwana also clarified:
"Koi Mujhe Bacha Lo," Gurmeet Singh Screamed in Court
“Koi mujhe bacha lo,” screamed baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim as he broke down in the makeshift court in the Sunaria Jail in Rohtak. An emotional Gurmeet Singh pleaded for mercy from the judge, insisting that he was innocent. There was high drama in the court room, as a weeping Gurmeet Singh refused to leave the premises.
Read more here.
Safe Passage Provided for 'Premis' to Leave Dera
“Safe passage has been given to people inside Dera to leave peacefully,” SS Sharma, DIG SSB, informed the media. He added that if the court orders sealing of the complex, the forces will go ahead.
“3700 men are deployed in Haryana and four companies deployed in Punjab. We are prepared for any eventuality,” he added.
Punjab's Barnala Under Curfew
Following Ram Rahim’s sentencing in the 2002 rape case, the police has decided to impose curfew in Punjab’s Barnala as a precautionary measure. “Curefew will be imposed in Barnala from 9 pm today to 9 am tomorrow”, said Harjeet SIngh, SSP Barnala.
Haryana Police Addresses Press Conference
Denying any incidence of violence following the sentencing of Ram Rahim, the IF Pf Sirsa, AS Dhillon, said that they were working to identify the instigators behind the violence that had erupted in the state over the past few days.
“There are still 1000-odd people inside the campus, but most of them have evacuated”, said the IG of Sirsa at the conference.
Security Forces Carry Out Flag March at Barnala
Security forces in Barnala took out a flag march after Ram Rahim’s sentencing in the town. Speaking to ANi , the Superintendent of Policesaid
Baba Ramdev Lauds Court's Verdict
Speaking to ANI after Ram Rahim’s sentencing, Baba Ramdev said that the court had set an example that no one can escape the law.
Army Conducts Flag March in Sirsa
The Army conducted a flag march in Haryana's Sirsa after a makeshift court sentenced him to 10 years of prison for his rape conviction.
Dera Supporters Confined in Sirsa Campus, Phone Lines Cut: Reports
According to CNN News 18, several DSS supporters have been confined within the sprawling campus in Sirsa. BSNL phone lines have also been cut to stop communication.
"Most Sadhvis in the Dera are Raped": Anshul Chattrapati
Speaking after Ram Rahim’s sentencing, Anshul Chattrapti, the son of slain journalist Ram Chander Chattrapati allegeed that most women in the Dera face a similar fate as the two victims.
He further saluted the makeshift court headed by judge Jagdeep Singh for their verdict, sentencing him to prison for 10 years.
Haryana Chief Minister Calls for Emergency Meeting
Following Ram Rahim’s sentencing in the 2002 rape case, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called for an emergency meeting with senior state officials, party leaders and ministers at his residence in Chandigarh.
"Total Normalcy in Punjab", Says Punjab CM
Punjab CM Amarinder Singh, after Ram Rahim’s sentencing, said, “There is total normalcy in Punjab, our forces are on their toes. We will not let any untoward incident happen.”
He added that the curfew had been imposed at a couple of places in the state, and will be lifted on 29 August, following a review of the situation.
CBI to Push for More Punishment: Reports
The CBI has reportedly pushed for a punishment beyond 10 years, reported NDTV. According to the channel’s sources, the agency has already moved an application and will press for other charges as well.
Ram Rahim Refuses to Leave Courtroom: Reports
According to News 18, Gurmeet Ram Rahim has refused to leave the courtroom, sitting outside on the steps with his head held in his hands as he breaks down.
According to CNN’s sources, he has been taken out of the courtroom forcibly, back into his jail cell.
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Ram Rahim to be Allotted a Jail Cell
A medical examination of Ram Rahim Singh will be done, after which he will be given a jail uniform and will be allotted a cell in jail, reported ANI.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail
Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Sngh Insan has been sentenced to 10 years in jail by the special CBI court judge Jagdeep Singh.
He has also been fined for 50,000, 10,000 and 5,000 for 3 different cases -CNN-News18.
DSS Spokesperson Appeals for Peace
In a video, Vipassana Insan, the spokesperson for Dera Sacha Sauda appealed for peace.
Two Vehicles Torched at Sirsa
Supporters of the Dera Sacha Sauda torch two vehicles in Phoolka area of Sirsa, where the organisation is headquartered, reported India Today.
Judge Begins Reading Sentence
As the judge begins reading the sentence, TV news reports say that Ram Rahim broke down, pleading for mercy. He has also reportedly asked to be transferred to another jail, reported PunjabKesari.
Hearing for Quantum of Punishment Begins
According to News 18, the proceedings for the quantum of punishment for Ram Rahim in the rape case have begun inside the makeshift court within the Sunaria jail’s premises.
Both sides have been allotted ten minutes each to put forth their arguments by the Special CBI Judge Jagdeep Singh. The prosecution has demanded maximum punishment for Ram Rahim in the rape case.
The defence argues that Ram Rahim is a social worker who has worked for the welfare of people, urging the judge to take a lenient view.
CBI Court Judge Arrives at Rohtak Jail
Special CBI Court judge Jagdeep Singh has arrived at the Sunaria Jail in Rohtak for the sentencing of Ram Rahim’s rape case.
Ram Rahim's Lawyer Reaches Make Shift Court
The Dera Chief’s lawyer SK Narwana reached the makeshift court in Rohtak Jail ahead of quantum of sentence hearing.
According to News 18, the defence will appeal to the court to consider Ram Rahim’s age, will also appealing for a minimum sentence.
"Honeypreet Was with Ram Rahim for 2.5 Hours on Friday"
Speaking to ANI, journalist Sanjiv Mahajan said that Ram Rahim’s daughter accompanied him in the chopper on Friday and was with him in the jail for two and half hours, before the jail authorities objected to her presence.
When Honeypreet was taken away, Ram Rahim was reportedly furious, and threatened the authorities with ministers, but the jail authorities stood firm on their stand and wouldn’t let her stay.
Visuals of Security Near Rohtak's Sunaria Jail
"He Should Get Maximum Sentence": Slain Journo's Son to CNN News 18
Anshul Chattrapati, the son of Ram Chander Chattrapati, the journalist who exposed the rape case against Ram Rahim, told News 18 that the Dera head should be awarded the maximum sentence possible today.
Talking about the attacks on the media, he cited his father’s murder stating that the Dera has always attacked the media for reporting against them.
CBI Court Judge Leaves for Rohtak in a Chopper
CBI Court Judge Jagdeep Singh has left for Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail in a chopper from Panchkula, where a special courtroom has been set up within the jail premises for the delivering the sentence, reported CNN News 18. He is expected to reach in 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, a curfew has been ordered in Punjab’s Moga and Bagha Purana from 1 pm till further notice, reported India Today.
Meeting Underway at North Block to Discuss Haryana and Punjab
Home Minister Rajnath SIngh, NSA Ajit Doval, Home Secretary, Director IB and other Home Ministry officials conducted a meeting in North Block to discuss the security situation in Punjab and Haryana ahead of Ram Rahim’s sentencing. Officials present at the meeting were directed constantly monitor the situation.
Flag March in Punjab's Barnala, Security Tightened
23 Dera Followers Arrested in Punjab
Ahead of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s sentencing today, 23 Dear followers have been arrested in Punjab’s Sangrur so far, reported ANI.
Varanasi's Sadhus Want Ram Rahim Hanged
A group of sadhus in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi took out a procession on Monday, demanding that Gurmeet Ram Rahim be hanged over his conviction in the rape case.
Security Tightened in Sirsa
Security has been beefed up to prevent any untoward incident in Sirsa, hours before the pronouncement of quantum of sentence against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh today.
Though the exodus of Dera followers from the sect's headquarters in Sirsa started Saturday, several supporters of the self-styled godman are still present in and around the sprawling premises.
"We have made appropriate arrangements to maintain law and order in the district," a senior police official said.
The district administration is also providing buses to facilitate the departure of Dera followers.
Death Toll Rises to 38
The death toll in violence and arson that immediately followed Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s conviction on Friday has risen to 38, Haryana's Director General of Police BS Sandhu said.
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) prohibiting assembly of five or more persons, and carrying of firearms and other weapons is already in place in Rohtak. Mobile internet services will remain suspended in Haryana and Punjab till 11:30 am on Tuesday. Internet lease lines on the premises of the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters at Sirsa will also be suspended till then, officials said.
Special Courtroom in Sunaria Jail for Sentencing
A special courtroom has been set up in the Sunaria Jail in Rohtak, where Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been lodged since his rape-conviction.
The helicopter will land on the helipad near the jail on the outskirts of the Rohtak city, IG (Rohtak Range), Navdeep Singh Virk said.
"A special courtroom has been set up on the instructions of the high court within the jail and proceedings will be carried out there, which are expected to be conducted at around 2:30 in the afternoon," he said.
Expect Bullets: Rohtak DC Warns Troublemakers
Ahead of the sentencing of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the deputy commissioner of Rohtak has said that those creating trouble should expect bullets if they defy warnings.
"We will not allow anyone to create any sort of trouble in Rohtak. Anyone breaking law or indulging in acts of violence or arson will himself be responsible for his fate. Anyone creating trouble will be given a warning first and if he still pays no heed, then he will have to face the bullet," Atul Kumar told reporters in Rohtak, where the Army has been kept on standby.
The DC's stern warning comes in the wake of the mayhem in Panchkula on Friday where the Dera followers went on the rampage after their sect chief's conviction in a rape case.
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