A special CBI court on Monday sentenced Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, NDTV reports. The dera chief was convicted of rape on August 25.
Earlier today, CBI judge Jagdeep Singh was flown in a helicopter to Sunaria Jail, where a special court room was set up for pronouncing the quantum of sentence in a rape case.
The prosecution demanded maximum punishment in the case, while Ram Rahim Singh’s counsel cited his philanthropy works and sought leniency. The defence also cited the dera chief health problems.
Dismissing the defence lawyer’s arguments, CBI judge Jagdeep Singh awarded 10 years to Ram Rahim Singh.
Thousands of paramilitary troops and anti-riot police have blocked off all roads near the Rohtak prison.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has convened an emergency meeting at his Chandigarh residence. He will be meeting senior bureaucrats, police official and BJP leaders.
