The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the Ranjit Singh murder case, overturning the life sentence handed down by a special CBI court in October 2021.
Ram Rahim and four others were previously convicted for the 2002 murder of former Dera manager Ranjit Singh. The CBI chargesheet had alleged that Ram Rahim believed Ranjit Singh, a resident of Kurukshetra, was behind the circulation of an anonymous letter accusing the Dera chief of sexually exploiting female followers, leading to the conspiracy to kill him.
Ranjit Singh was shot dead on July 10, 2002, while returning on his motorcycle after serving tea to his father in Khanpur Kolian village, Kurukshetra. Four attackers opened fire on him, and he succumbed to his injuries. Among the attackers, Sabdil and Jasbir were identified, with Sabdil being Ram Rahim’s gunman.
The other accused in the case included Krishan Lal, Jasbir, Indersen, Avtaar, and Sabdil. They were also acquitted by the High Court.
Ram Rahim has been embroiled in multiple legal battles. In August 2017, he was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape of two female followers, a case that emerged from the anonymous letter alleging sexual exploitation.
In January 2019, he received another life sentence for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who had published the anonymous letter in his newspaper.
The acquittal has sparked varied reactions, with many expressing shock and disbelief. The decision has raised questions about the judicial process and the handling of high-profile cases involving influential figures.
