Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Exonerated in Journalist Murder Case
Synopsis
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acquitted Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, overturning his previous life sentence. This decision comes after a detailed examination of the case, although Ram Rahim remains in custody due to a separate rape conviction.
Key Takeaways
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh acquitted in journalist murder case.
Life sentence overturned after seven years.
Co-accused's appeals were dismissed .
Ram Rahim remains in jail due to a separate rape conviction .
High Court's decision involved a detailed evidence examination .
Chandigarh, March 7 (NationPress) — In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of Dera Sacha Sauda based in Sirsa, acquitting him in the murder case involving journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati.
This decision marks a turning point, occurring just over seven years after Ram Rahim was sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime.
Meanwhile, the appeal by two co-accused individuals was rejected by the Bench, which included Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Vikram Aggarwal, affirming the verdict against them.
Despite being acquitted in this murder case, Ram Rahim remains incarcerated as he is serving a sentence resulting from a separate conviction for rape.
The High Court arrived at its verdict after conducting a thorough review of the evidence presented, particularly scrutinizing the bullets allegedly used in the crime, which played a crucial role in the court's examination of the case.
In 2019, a special court found Ram Rahim and three others guilty of murdering journalist Chhatrapati, a crime that occurred over 16 years prior to the ruling, raising concerns about the prolonged delay between the incident and the eventual conviction.
Since his 2017 rape conviction, Ram Rahim has remained a controversial figure, having been granted temporary releases from prison on 14 occasions, during which he typically resided at the Dera Sacha Sauda ashram located in Bagpat district, Uttar Pradesh.
The Dera Sacha Sauda organization, with its headquarters in Sirsa, boasts a substantial following across several northern Indian states, including Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, among others.
In Haryana, the organization wields considerable political influence, particularly in districts like Sirsa, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Hisar, where its members constitute a vital social base.
Point of View
It also raises questions about the prolonged timeline of justice for the victims. As an editor-in-chief, my focus remains on ensuring that the narrative prioritizes the truth and the experiences of those affected by such grave incidents.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's appeal?
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was acquitted in the murder case of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, overturning his previous life sentence.
Is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh still in jail?
Yes, despite his acquittal in the murder case, he remains incarcerated due to a separate conviction for rape.
What evidence was crucial in the court's decision?
The examination of the bullets allegedly used in the murder was a key factor in the court's review and eventual ruling.
How influential is the Dera Sacha Sauda organization?
The Dera Sacha Sauda organization holds significant influence across several northern Indian states, particularly in Haryana, where it has a large following.
When was Ram Chander Chhatrapati murdered?
Ram Chander Chhatrapati was murdered over 16 years before the 2019 conviction of Ram Rahim and others in the case.
