Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s Proficiency In Keeping Punjab And Haryana On Tenterhooks

The controversial spiritual guru’s Dera Sachcha Sauda and Sikh organizations have been at loggerheads ever since he appeared in attire similar to that of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru, in 2007.

"I respect law, will appear in court tomorrow despite back pain," said Ram Rahim Singh.

Ram Rahim is also accused of murder of a journalist who was a follower. Last week, he said he was too unwell to appear for a court hearing in the murder case. The Dera had supported the BJP in the 2014 Assembly elections.

“Section 144 [which bars gathering of more than 4 persons at a place] has been imposed in all the districts of Haryana,” the state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ram Niwas said here while briefing about the security arrangements. He tweeted on Thursday saying "I respect law, will appear in court tomorrow despite back pain"

The Dera Sacha Sauda head has claimed innocence in the 15-year-old case of allegedly sexually exploiting two sadhvis in his ashram. Being prepared for the verdict against him, the self-styled godman has mobilized his army of followers who may create a volatile and violent situation. To avoid an adverse flare up of situation, the Home Department of Chandigarh UT has decided to declare the cricket stadium in sector 16 as a ‘temporary jail’ on August 25.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim, head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect who has two state governments on the edge as he awaits a verdict on a rape case tomorrow, is not the regular godman in saffron but a curious amalgam of reel and real defying easy description.