Another dera followers’ rioting case falls flat, 19 acquitted for lack of evidence

In yet another blow to the prosecution, a Panchkula court has acquitted 19 alleged Dera Sacha Sauda followers accused of rioting and attacking police after the conviction of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on August 25, 2017. The case is among several related to the Panchkula violence that have failed to yield convictions.

Recent acquittals

Advertisement

- 29 acquitted in a case related to violence at HAFED Chowk, Sector 2, Panchkula (April 9)

- 37 acquitted on March 24 in a case involving violence at HARTRON office, Sector 2, and burning of vehicles outside Nik Bakers in Sector 5

- 41 acquitted in riots at Sector 19 on February 10

Advertisement

Chief Judicial Magistrate Ajay Kumar acquitted the accused, citing lack of identification, insufficient evidence, and no corroboration of injuries or property damage. “When there is no proof available on the record regarding the alleged assault by the followers of Gurmeet Ram Rahim against the police party, then the story to the effect that some of the accused persons were carrying dandas and stones becomes doubtful,” the judgment stated.

The case was registered following a complaint by DSP Anil Kumar, who was deployed at the Sector 8 red light chowk in Panchkula along with DIG Sangeeta Kalia and Duty Magistrate Dr Sarita Malik, when violence broke out after Ram Rahim’s conviction. According to the complaint, 4,000-5,000 Dera followers armed with sticks, pipes, and stones attacked police and damaged public and private property.

Despite the serious allegations, none of the 27 witnesses — including key officials — identified any of the accused in court. “Even complainant DSP Anil Kumar stepped into the witness box and did not identify the accused persons as assailants or vandals on August 25, 2017,” the court noted. Similarly, both DIG Kalia and Dr Malik, whose testimonies were vital, failed to recognise anyone from among the accused.

Investigating Officer SI Amarjeet Singh said 10 kg of stones, 23 tear shell caps, and three empty .303 cartridges were recovered from the scene, but the court found these items to be “easily procurable” and not clearly linked to the accused.

The FIR was registered at Sector 5 police station on August 26, 2017. A total of 20 persons from Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan were booked under various sections, including rioting, unlawful assembly, obstructing public servants, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. One accused died during the trial.

The acquittal adds to the growing list of failed prosecutions from the 2017 riots, which left over 40 dead and saw 152 FIRs filed in Panchkula alone.