Trial against Ram Rahim in Ranjit Singh murder case to resume on June 6

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 30

The CBI Special Court, Haryana, on Saturday posted the trial proceedings against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the Ranjit Singh murder case for June 6.

The trial is at the final stage but proceedings were held up due to the nationwide lockdown in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

During a hearing at Panchkula on Saturday, CBI counsel HPS Verma told the court that the prosecution arguments had been already concluded in the case and defence side had to conclude its arguments.

The part arguments of the defence side were addressed before the onset of the prevailing health crisis.

CBI Special Judge Jagdeep Singh ordered that in view of the instructions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court as well as the directions issued by the Office of District and Sessions Judge, the matter would resume on June 6.

The Superintendents of District Jail Sunaria (Rohtak) and Central Jail Ambala were asked to ensure presence of Ram Rahim and another accused Krishan Lal via video-conference.

According to the CBI charge sheet, Ram Rahim had thought that Ranjit Singh, a resident of Kurukshetra, was behind the circulation of the anonymous letter alleging sexual exploitation of female followers in Dera and hatched conspiracy to kill him. The murder took place on July 10, 2002.

Along with Dera chief, Krishan Lal, Jasbir, Indersen, Avtaar, and Sabdil are also accused in the case.

Ranjit Singh was shot when he was returning on his motorcycle after serving tea to his father, who was working on the fields in Khanpur Kolian village of Kurukshetra.

On the way, four people fired at him and fled from the spot. Ranjit Singh died of bullet injuries.

Sabdil and Jasbir were identified among the four persons who attacked Ranjit Singh. Sabdil was the gunman of Ram Rahim.

Earlier, in the rape case of female followers, which was registered on the anonymous letter, Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20-year rigorous imprisonment in August, 2017. 

In the journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati murder case, the same court had sentenced Ram Rahim to life imprisonment in January, 2019. 

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.