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In Haryana, a special CBI court today sentenced Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to 20 years in prison after his conviction in two rape cases.
Defence lawyer S K Garg Narwana said, CBI Judge Jagdeep Singh pronounced two sentences of 10 years rigorous imprisonment in each of the two cases that date back to 2002.
He said, both sentences will run consecutively for a total of 20 years in jail for the Dera Chief.
The Court also fined Ram Rahim 15 lakh rupees in each of the two cases, of which 14 lakh rupees each would go to the two rape victims who were part of his sect.
The defence counsel sought leniency from the court arguing that Ram Rahim was active in social work and had health issues. He said, he will appeal against the orders in the higher court.
The sentence was passed in a special courtroom set up inside the Sunaria jail in Rohtak where the 50-year-old self-proclaimed godman, is lodged since last Friday after he was convicted. Media reports said he broke down and begged for forgiveness with folded hands when the sentence was passed.
Our correspondent reports that the security at Rohtak has been strengthened to tackle any untoward situation. 23 companies of paramilitary force have been deployed along with state police. The curfew has been imposed in various places in Punjab and Sirsa in Haryana.
The Centre has said, security has been tightened in the national capital. The Delhi Police is fully alert to foil any attempt to disturb peace.
The Dera Chief was convicted by a CBI court in Panchkula on Friday. Violence had erupted in Haryana and neighboring states following the judgment. 38 people were killed and around 250 injured in the violence.
Reacting to the court’s verdict, BJP said the law has taken its own course in Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s case.
Party General Secretary Dr Anil Jain told media in New Delhi that the government will execute the verdict of the court. He rejected opposition allegations that Haryana government had adopted soft approach while handling violence followimg conviction of Ram Rahim.
Dr Jain said, the administration has worked efficiently as at that time avoiding the confrontation with the supporters and presenting Dera Sacha chief in the court was priority.
The BJP leader said, no violence will be tolerated in the name of faith.
