Arguments start in rape case involving Dera chief
11 May 2008 IndianExpress Chandigarh Newsline Pg 04
Arguments start in rape case involving Dera chief T HE CBI today started arguments on the exploitation of women followers allegedly by Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. CBI counsel H K S Verma in his arguments contented that the probe agency had evidence of sexual harassment of the sadhvis by the Dera Chief who used to call them the underground den (gufa) and rape them.
He read out the statements of the sadhvis in the court.
Verma highlighted FIR No. RC 5 in which statements of Dera sadhvis Sarjeevan and Sapna were recorded levelling allegations of rape against the Dera chief. The CBI had submitted chargesheet on July 30, 2007.
Verma argued that Sarjeevan and Sapna, the women followers had then moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court with a complaint alleging that they were subjected to sexual harassment by the Dera chief during their stay at Sirsa.
They had alleged that their religious sentiments were exploited and had to submit to the ill will of the Dera chief who repeatedly raped them. They were threatened with dire consequences if they divulged of the "misdeeds" of the Dera chief.
The sadhvis had alleged that they were compelled to work in the gufa where they were forced to have sexual intercourse with the Dera chief. Sarjeevan had complained to her brother Ranjit Singh and when he raised his voice he was eliminated.
Ranjit was gunned down near Kurukshetra by a group of the chief's followers. Dera chief is facing charges on account of two cases of murders - of Ranjit Singh and Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chhatarpati besides, a rape.
Winding up his arguments, the CBI counsel pleaded that a case of rape under Section 376 of the IPC should be registered against the Dera chief who is already facing murder charges.
Dera chief was present in the special CBI court set up in the office of Additional Superintendent of Police in Police Lines, Ambala City under strict security arrangements. The counsel for Dera chief would reply to the arguments made by the CBI counsel on May 24, the next date for hearing.
Later, on completion of court proceedings, the Dera chief escorted by a fleet of vehicles including commando and Police gipsys, reached Gandhi Grounds Ambala Cantonment to address thousands of his followers.
He read out the statements of the sadhvis in the court.
Verma highlighted FIR No. RC 5 in which statements of Dera sadhvis Sarjeevan and Sapna were recorded levelling allegations of rape against the Dera chief. The CBI had submitted chargesheet on July 30, 2007.
Verma argued that Sarjeevan and Sapna, the women followers had then moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court with a complaint alleging that they were subjected to sexual harassment by the Dera chief during their stay at Sirsa.
They had alleged that their religious sentiments were exploited and had to submit to the ill will of the Dera chief who repeatedly raped them. They were threatened with dire consequences if they divulged of the "misdeeds" of the Dera chief.
The sadhvis had alleged that they were compelled to work in the gufa where they were forced to have sexual intercourse with the Dera chief. Sarjeevan had complained to her brother Ranjit Singh and when he raised his voice he was eliminated.
Ranjit was gunned down near Kurukshetra by a group of the chief's followers. Dera chief is facing charges on account of two cases of murders - of Ranjit Singh and Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chhatarpati besides, a rape.
Winding up his arguments, the CBI counsel pleaded that a case of rape under Section 376 of the IPC should be registered against the Dera chief who is already facing murder charges.
Dera chief was present in the special CBI court set up in the office of Additional Superintendent of Police in Police Lines, Ambala City under strict security arrangements. The counsel for Dera chief would reply to the arguments made by the CBI counsel on May 24, the next date for hearing.
Later, on completion of court proceedings, the Dera chief escorted by a fleet of vehicles including commando and Police gipsys, reached Gandhi Grounds Ambala Cantonment to address thousands of his followers.
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