File photo: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana high court on Saturday acquitted the jailed Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, overturning a life sentence awarded by a CBI court and dealing a blow to the investigating agency.Gurmeet remains lodged in Sunaria jail in Rohtak, serving a 20-year sentence since August 2017 after conviction for raping two women devotees. He has spent more than eight years in prison in that case.He also faces a separate CBI case over the alleged castration of some Dera followers. Trial is pending in a court in Panchkula. HC had earlier acquitted him in the murder case of former Dera manager Ranjit Singh. On Saturday, HC allowed the Dera chief’s appeal against his conviction in the Chhatrapati murder case while upholding life sentences of three co-accused. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Third US carrier on way as Israel launches ‘extensive strikes’ on IranFresh Food Airlifted Into UAE: LuLu flies 80,000 kg of Indian produce; more imports planned‘Xi’s world order died with Khamenei’: The good, the bad, and ugly of US-Iran war for ChinaThe slain journalist’s son Anshul, said the family plans to challenge the acquittal in Supreme Court. Chhatrapati was the editor of evening newspaper Poora Sach. He had published reports alleging sexual exploitation of women disciples at Dera Sacha Sauda. Prosecution alleged he was killed in retaliation for the coverage.Dera chief counsel alleges CBI torture and revengeA special CBI court had sentenced the Dera chief and three others to life imprisonment in 2019, along with a fine of 50,000 each. Gurmeet challenged that conviction in HC, saying he had been wrongly accused.”Krishan Lal was tortured by CBI. The name of the Dera chief was thereafter included as an accused by way of revenge,” his counsel said.Lawyers also questioned the testimony of key witness Khatta Singh, saying the claim that a conspiracy was hatched in his presence and wasn’t undisclosed to anyone “stands falsified by the admission of IO, M Narayanan, in his cross-examination”. The defence further argued prosecution failed to show Gurmeet had any grievance against the journalist. “The investigating agency failed to prove even an iota of evidence that the appellant ever read the said newspaper,” the counsel said, adding that the evening paper largely reproduced reports already published by morning newspapers.About the AuthorAjay SuraAjay Sura is Senior Assistant Editor with The Times of India Chandigarh. He covers news concerning the State of Haryana, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Defence & Military Affairs. He likes to analyse political developments and decoding judicial pronouncements. His hobbies include travelling, mountaineering and trekking.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC, BJP Engage In War Of Words Over Change In Governor Ahead of Assembly ElectionsTMC RS Nominee Menaka Guruswamy Declares: ‘Shall Fight EC in Every Court’ in Fiery First SpeechNishant Kumar Will Make Political Debut On March 8, To Formally Join JD(U) After Nitish’s RS Move‘What Went Through The Administration’s Mind?’ Droupadi Murmu Flags Lapse, Mentions Mamata BanerjeeThe Khamenei’s Killer: Israeli Missile Family India Is Quietly Acquiring | WatchBJP Blasts TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee’s Shocking Remark Against CEC Gyanesh KumarNo Confidence Motion Against Om Birla: Mamata Banerjee’s TMC Set To Support Resolution In Parliament”Future Is In Countries Like India…” Piyush Goyal Hails India As Engine Of Growth’PM Modi Betrayed India’: Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack Over US Trade Deal, Russian OilLPG Cylinder Price Rise Heats Up Inflation Debate As Opposition Targets Modi Government123PhotostoriesExclusive – The 50’s Divya Agarwal breaks silence on divorce rumours with husband Apurva Padgaonkar; says ‘We live in separate houses…’How to make Bihari-style Champaran Mutton for dinner at home6 things you should never ignore in car maintenance10 desi Indian ways to enjoy Oats for dinner and dessert7 bedroom plants for better sleep and cleaner indoor airFrom iron deficiency to lung disease: Doctors say your nails may reveal hidden health problemsAllu Arjun’s brother Allu Sirish marries Nayanika Reddy: Bride dazzles in diamonds and Kanjivaram saree, groom steals show in ivory sherwani6 most luxurious homes owned by Indian cricketers with estimated prices5 famous war museums around the world travellers can visitWalt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage…”: 5 lessons it teaches students123Hot PicksMiddle East Oil RisksIran Mobile Missile LauncersDwarka ExpresswayUttam Nagar murderIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingFortnite Wild Weeks Power Hour EventDaksh ChaudharyUPSC ResultsMiddle East ConflictNoida AirportCody RhodesWWE Smackdown HighlightsUCEED ResultBombay High CourtWhere to watch ind vs nz t20
CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana high court on Saturday acquitted the jailed Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, overturning a life sentence awarded by a CBI court and dealing a blow to the investigating agency.Gurmeet remains lodged in Sunaria jail in Rohtak, serving a 20-year sentence since August 2017 after conviction for raping two women devotees. He has spent more than eight years in prison in that case.He also faces a separate CBI case over the alleged castration of some Dera followers. Trial is pending in a court in Panchkula. HC had earlier acquitted him in the murder case of former Dera manager Ranjit Singh. On Saturday, HC allowed the Dera chief’s appeal against his conviction in the Chhatrapati murder case while upholding life sentences of three co-accused. The slain journalist’s son Anshul, said the family plans to challenge the acquittal in Supreme Court. Chhatrapati was the editor of evening newspaper Poora Sach.
He had published reports alleging sexual exploitation of women disciples at Dera Sacha Sauda. Prosecution alleged he was killed in retaliation for the coverage.Dera chief counsel alleges CBI torture and revengeA special CBI court had sentenced the Dera chief and three others to life imprisonment in 2019, along with a fine of 50,000 each. Gurmeet challenged that conviction in HC, saying he had been wrongly accused.“Krishan Lal was tortured by CBI. The name of the Dera chief was thereafter included as an accused by way of revenge,” his counsel said.Lawyers also questioned the testimony of key witness Khatta Singh, saying the claim that a conspiracy was hatched in his presence and wasn’t undisclosed to anyone “stands falsified by the admission of IO, M Narayanan, in his cross-examination”. The defence further argued prosecution failed to show Gurmeet had any grievance against the journalist. “The investigating agency failed to prove even an iota of evidence that the appellant ever read the said newspaper,” the counsel said, adding that the evening paper largely reproduced reports already published by morning newspapers.
