Chandigarh: In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Saturday acquitted Gurmeet Ram Rahim, head of the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda, in connection with the 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati. The court, however, upheld the conviction of three other accused in the case.
Background
The decision comes after an appeal from the Dera Chief challenging his life sentence, originally handed down on January 17, 2019, by a special CBI court in Panchkula. Chhatrapati, the editor of the newspaper ‘Poora Sach,’ was murdered after publishing reports relating to allegations against the Dera chief.
Counsel for the Dera Chief argued that the initial investigation did not implicate him, and that evidence presented later was obtained through coercion and created as an act of revenge. Specifically, counsel stated that CBI official M. Narayanan created an eyewitness account through Khatta Singh.
The court heard arguments that the prosecution failed to demonstrate any evidence that Gurmeet Ram Rahim even read the newspaper published by the deceased, and that the newspaper primarily re-reported news already published elsewhere.
What’s Next?
The detailed judgment explaining the grounds for the acquittal was not immediately available. It’s possible the court’s reasoning will be scrutinized by legal experts and the public. Gurmeet Ram Rahim remains incarcerated in Rohtak’s Sunaria jail, serving a 20-year sentence for rape convictions dating back to August 2017. Further legal challenges or appeals related to this case are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ram Chander Chhatrapati?
Ram Chander Chhatrapati was a journalist and the editor of the Sirsa-based newspaper ‘Poora Sach.’ He was murdered in 2002.
When was Gurmeet Ram Rahim originally convicted in this case?
Gurmeet Ram Rahim was originally sentenced to life imprisonment on January 17, 2019, by a special CBI court in Panchkula.
Are any other individuals still convicted in connection with the murder?
Yes, the Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld the conviction of three other accused in the case.
What implications might this acquittal have for ongoing investigations related to the Dera Sacha Sauda?
