Bathinda, Punjab (August 07, 2014): According to information available with the Sikh Siyasat News (SSN), a Bathinda court today dismissed a 2007 Salabatpura case against Dera Sauda Sirsa (DSS) chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim. The case was got registered by a Bathinda resident Ranjinder Singh Sidhu in 2007 after the Sirsa based cult’s activities had triggered huge controversy.
It in notable that during a function held at Salabatpura (Bathinda) based dera in 2007, Gurmeet Ram Rahim had personified himself as tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He had tried to copy-act historic event of Khalsa Sajna. Personification of Sikh Gurus is strictly prohibited in Sikh religion.
Dera head activities had outraged the global Sikh Sangat.
As per instructions of Punjab government led by Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leaders Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Badal, the Punjab police had registered the complaint of Rajinder Singh Sidhu against Sauda Sadh. But, as the government was not interested in proceeding with the case, there was no progress in the investigations.
Surprisingly, Punjab police had sought permissions of the accused dera head to meet and question him.
After few years of registering the case the Punjab police had field closure report maintaining that it did not get any information or evidence about the Salabatpura incident.
Meanwhile, a Sikh lawyer, Jaspal Singh Manjhpur and a political activist Baba Hardeep Singh Mehraj, both belonging to Akali Dal Panch Pardhani (ADPP) had moved the court and were successful in getting themselves listed as co-complainents in this case.
Because of efforts of ADPP leaders and Sikh lawyers the case survived for few more years and the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Raman Kumar issued summons against Dera Sauda chief.
CJM Raman Kumar’s order was challenged by Dera Sauda head in higher court.
After listening the arguments of both sides, the court of a District Sessions Judge Tejwinder Singh today dismissed the case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim. The Court accepted the closure report of Punjab police that was initially rejected by the CJM’s court.
While talking to Sikh Siyasat News (SSN), Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur said that despite all efforts the case did not survive in the court. He said that they may consider to file appeal against today’s decision.
The shallow investigations by the Punjab police were prime reason for dismissal. The Punjab police snubbed the case to server Punjab government’s political interests, as it is believed that such concessions may convince Dera management to extend support to Badal Dal in various elections.
Baba Hardeep Singh Mehraj, Bhai Rajinder Singh Sidhu, Advocate Jaspal Singh Manjhpur and Advocate Jatinder Rai Khattar were present in the court when today’s decision was pronounced.