On 28.08.2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in it’s press release, notified that the Special Judge Jagdeep Singh for CBI Cases, Panchkula(Haryana), after finding Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh guilty U/s 376 & 506 of IPC on 25.08.2017, was sentenced to undergo 20 years rigorous imprisonment for sexual exploitation of two Sadhvis at Dera Sacha Sauda. A fine of Rs. 30, 20, 000 was also imposed upon him. Below is the table showing the break down of the cumulative punishment:
| Victim- A | For offence u/s 376 of IPC | Rigorous Imprisonment for 10 years along with fine of Rs.15.00 lakh (Out of which Rs. 14.00 lakh is to be paid to Victim-A as compensation). In cTWENTY YEARS RIGOROUS IMPRISONMENT AND FINE OF RS.30,20,000/-se of default in payment of fine, further RI of 2 years. |
| For offence u/s 506 of IPC | Rigorous Imprisonment for 2 years along with fine of Rs. 10,000/-, In case of default in payment of fine, further RI of 3 months. | |
| Victim- B | For offence u/s 376 of IPC | Rigorous TWENTY YEARS RIGOROUS IMPRISONMENT AND FINE OF RS.30,20,000/-Imprisonment for 10 years along with fine of Rs.15.00 lakh (Out of which Rs. 14.00 lakh is to be paid to Victim-B as compensation). In case of default in payment of fine, further RI of 2 years. |
| For offence u/s 506 of IPC | Rigorous Imprisonment for 2 years along with fine of Rs. 10,000/-, In case of default in payment of fine, further RI of 3 months. |
The CBI court also held that both the sentences will run consecutively i.e. the sentence with reference to Victim-B will start after the sentence with reference to Victim-A has been completed.
In the present case, CBI had registered the case against the Dera Chief u/s 376, 506 & 509 of IPC on 12.12.2002 after the Punjab & Haryana High Court had, on 24.09.2002, directing CBI to investigate the alleged sexual exploitation of Sadhvis at Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa by Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Head of Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa. The High Court had initiated suo motu proceedings in the matter after an anonymous letter, alleging the sexual assault, was sent to the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
During trial, the prosecution examined 15 witnesses. The accused was also examined. Thereafter, one witness was examined as a Court Witness on the orders of the Supreme Court of India. The Defence examined 37 witnesses. The final arguments were concluded on 17.08.2017 and the accused was found guilty on 25.08.2017.
