10-year jail term for rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim

Mangalore Today News Network

Rohtak, Aug 28 2017 : A CBI special court on Monday sentenced Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim to 10 years in prison for raping two ’sadhvis’ or female followers 15 years ago, reports ANI.

CBI judge Jagdeep Singh flew to Rohtak’s Sunaria jail via chopper to pronounce the quantum of sentence on Monday morning.

The defence lawyer, in his closing arguments, claimed that the Dera chief is a social worker who has works for the welfare of people, so the judge should take a lenient view and give him minimum sentence.

The 50-year-old self-styled godman, also the lead actor of MSG film franchise was held guilty of raping two women followers inside the Dera premises on Friday afternoon.

Following the conviction, deadly riots ensued in Panchkula and surrounding areas, killing 38 and injuring over 250 people. The mob – consisting of Dera followers – set scores of vehicles, including private and government cars and media vans, on fire. Police and fire brigade vehicles were also set on fire. Several mediapersons were also injured in the incident.

Courtesy: Zeenews