The Supreme Court has issued notices to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the 2002 murder case of former manager Ranjit Singh, challenging their acquittal by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The CBI had appealed the acquittal, citing flaws in the investigation and doubts over the motive. Ram Rahim, who is currently serving a life sentence for rape and murder, has drawn public attention for frequently securing paroles. The case will be heard by a bench presided over by Justice Bela M Trivedi, who is also handling a related petition filed by the victim's father.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh: From Controversial Leader to Convicted Murderer
Background
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the former chief of Dera Sacha Sauda, is a controversial figure who has garnered attention for his extravagant lifestyle, alleged sexual misconduct, and criminal convictions. In 2017, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping two of his followers.
2002 Murder Case
In addition to the rape case, Ram Rahim is also facing trial in connection with the 2002 murder of former Dera manager Ranjit Singh. The CBI, which is investigating the case, had appealed the acquittal of Ram Rahim and four others by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
On January 18, 2023, the Supreme Court issued notices to Ram Rahim and the other accused in the murder case. The bench, presided over by Justice Bela M Trivedi, will hear the appeal and determine whether the acquittal was justified.
Parole Controversy
Ram Rahim has been granted multiple paroles since his conviction in the rape case. These paroles have drawn public outrage, as they have allowed him to leave prison and interact with his followers.
In October 2022, the Punjab and Haryana High Court canceled Ram Rahim's most recent parole, ruling that the parole was granted without considering the seriousness of the offenses he had committed.
Top 5 FAQs
Q1: What are the charges against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh? A1: He is facing a life sentence for rape and is accused of involvement in the murder of former Dera manager Ranjit Singh.
Q2: Why is the Supreme Court hearing the 2002 murder case? A2: The CBI appealed the acquittal of Ram Rahim and the other accused by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, citing flaws in the investigation and doubts over the motive.
Q3: What is the status of Ram Rahim's paroles? A3: His most recent parole was canceled by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in October 2022.
Q4: What is Dera Sacha Sauda? A4: It is a religious organization in India that was founded by Ram Rahim Singh.
Q5: What are the concerns about Dera Sacha Sauda? A5: Critics have accused the organization of promoting superstition, exploiting followers, and using its influence to interfere in political affairs.
In his final speech as President, Joe Biden sounded the alarm on the rise of oligarchy in America, warning that it threatens democracy and basic rights. He credited his administration for the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire and called for accountability among the ultra-wealthy. With powerful words and a call to action, Biden urged Americans to come together and address the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a select few.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the acquittal of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the Ranjit Singh murder case. The notice has been directed to be tagged with another pending petition filed by the family of the deceased. This decision comes after a previous plea filed by the complainant was accepted for examination by the court, raising questions about the credibility of the Godman and seeking responses from all involved parties. The case, which has been ongoing since 2002, resurfaced in 2021 when Ram Rahim and others were convicted of the murder. Despite this, the godman remained in prison due to other convictions on charges of rape and murder.
In an effort to create a drug-free society, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has launched the 'Nasha Mukta Navi Mumbai' campaign. He emphasized the role of society in fighting against the menace of drugs and urged the youth to stand against it as an act of patriotism. Fadnavis also inaugurated the renovated Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, stating that it serves as a reminder of our historical heritage and the changes that have shaped our present.
This year's Indian Army Day parade, held on January 15 in Pune, will be a grand display of India's national strength and dedicated army personnel who protect the nation. With the theme 'Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena', the parade will feature the latest advancements of the Indian Army including a robotic mule and a weapon-locating radar. This year also marks the third time a city other than New Delhi will host the parade, showcasing the government's efforts to develop Pune as a leading defence research and industrial hub. On this occasion, we salute the courage and sacrifices of the Indian Army and commemorate the historic transfer of military leadership from the British to India in 1949.
BJP president JP Nadda and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's statement that the Opposition was fighting against the Indian state. Gandhi made the remark at the inauguration of the Congress's new headquarters, where he also criticized the BJP and its ideological parent RSS. BJP leaders have accused Gandhi of having close links with "urban naxals" and trying to break and divide India. They also highlight Congress's history of compromising the nation's integrity for power and call on the people of India to reject Gandhi and his ideology.
On the occasion of the 77th Army Day, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge extended their wishes to the brave soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their families who protect the Indian borders. They expressed gratitude and reverence to the Indian Army for their unwavering dedication and bravery and acknowledged their crucial role in national security and providing support during internal security challenges and natural calamities.
In a major step towards making India a major maritime power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three new naval frontline combatants - a destroyer, a frigate, and a submarine on Wednesday. These Made in India vessels - INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer - are crucial additions to the Indian Navy's surface fleet and will enhance its capabilities in anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering. PM Modi stressed on the importance of securing sea routes and protecting territorial waters in the Indo-Pacific region, while also highlighting India's role as a reliable and responsible global partner.
President Droupadi Murmu commended the Indian Army for its crucial contributions to national security and peace at the 77th Army Day celebrations. The occasion also marks the historic moment in 1949 when the first Indian Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit was appointed. The theme for this year's celebration is "Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena," and the President expressed her admiration and conveyed warm wishes to the Army and its soldiers and veterans. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also joined in honoring the Army's bravery and selfless service.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav spoke out against the dredging of the Ganga river in Prayagraj for the upcoming Maha Kumbh festival. He criticized the move as an "environmental crime" meant to benefit a select group of individuals through corruption. Yadav also warned of potential harm to the river's ecosystem and called for leaving the rivers to follow their natural paths. The Maha Kumbh festival is set to take place from January 13 to February 26.