India: ‘Godman’ Ram Rahim Singh Sentenced to 20 Years in Jail

**By APD Writer

Rishika Chauhan**

NEW DELHI, August 29 (APD)— The controversial ‘Godman’ Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Monday.

Convicted in two rape cases, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was awarded 20 years in prison – 10 years each for the two cases.

A special court was set up inside the premises of Sunaria jail, in Rohtak town.

The self-proclaimed godman was also fined three million rupees for three separate offences including attempt to murder and criminal intimidation.

The court allotted him a separate cell and no special privileges.

The judgment is being hailed as a victory of justice in India.

Judge Jagdeep Singh, and the court staff, was flown from another city by a helicopter to ensure security. Rohtak town was placed on high alert for the hearing.

Atul Kumar, the deputy commissioner of the town had given ‘shoot at sight’ orders to the forces if any followers of Ram Rahim became violent are tried to disrupt the process of judiciary. 4,000 security personnel were manning the court during the hearing to avoid any violent incidents.

“We will not allow anyone to create any sort of trouble in Rohtak. Anyone breaking law or indulging in acts of violence or arson will himself be responsible for his fate. Anyone creating trouble will be given a warning first and if he still pays no heed, then he will have to face the bullet,” he had said.

Violent clashes between the police and the followers of the godman had occurred on Friday when Ram Rahim was convicted. The violence had led to the death of 30 people and the arrest of thousands.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)