Moga Court convicted 34 followers of Dera Sauda Sirsa (DSS)

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Moga Court sentenced 34 Dera followers to 3 years imprisonment each for arson, rioting

By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

September 23, 2012

Moga/Punjab (September 23, 2012): In a recent court verdict 34 followers of Dera Sauda Sirsa (DSS) are sentenced to 3 years imprisonment each for indulging in arson, causing damage to public property and ordered to pay fine of Rs. 5000 each. Another accused Agya Pal Singh has reportedly been acquitted in the absence of concrete evidence against him.

It is notable that Moga district and sessions judge Karamjit Singh Kang had on September 21, 2012 declared 34 followers as guilty of causing damage to public property and rioting and had reserved the verdict for Saturday. After announcing the verdict, the court granted them bail.

“It is first of its kind verdict in Punjab pertaining to dera sacha sauda ever since it turned to limelight after dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh had been accused of dressing like Tenth Sikh [Guru], Guru Gobind Singh and offering jam-e-insan (sweet drink) a la Guru Gobind Singh while baptizing five beloveds on April 13, 1699” reports Times of India (TOI).