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Dera Chief Acquitted in Murder Case
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the 2002 murder case of former Dera official Ranjit Singh.
In 2021, a CBI court had convicted Ram Rahim and four others in the case and sentenced them to life imprisonment.
The high court overturned the conviction, saying the prosecution had failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Ram Rahim was involved in the murder.
The Dera chief is currently serving a 20-year jail sentence for raping two women and murdering a journalist.
He has challenged his conviction in both cases and is awaiting the outcome of the appeals.
Background of the Case
The murder of Ranjit Singh was linked to his suspected role in circulating an anonymous letter that accused Ram Rahim of sexually exploiting women at the Dera headquarters.
The CBI investigated the matter and filed charges against Ram Rahim and several others.
In 2017, Ram Rahim was convicted of raping two women and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
His conviction sparked violence and arson in several areas, resulting in the deaths of 30 people.
Reaction to the Acquittal
Ram Rahim's lawyers welcomed the high court's judgment and said the Dera chief has complete faith in the judiciary.
The prosecution has said it will challenge the acquittal in the Supreme Court.
The acquittal is likely to reignite the debate over Ram Rahim's guilt and the role of the Dera Sacha Sauda in Indian society.
Source: Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Acquitted In 2002 Murder Case