Dera chief's bail plea hearing today

Chandigarh, Aug 29: The Punjab and Haryana High Court will today hear the bail plea of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, in connection with murder and rape cases.Justice Surya Kant had adjourned the hearing for three bail applications after the defence counsel sought time.The judge observed "if he (Dera head) is free for the past five years, he can be a free man for another month".

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had registered three cases of rape and under Section 120B pertaining to indulging in criminal conspiracy against Baba Gurmeet.

Earlier this week, the CBI filed chargesheets at the residence of the special CBI court Judge R N Bharti following their investigations into the two murders and sexual harassment of a sadhvi.

The Dera chief is accused of murdering Ranjit Singh, who threatened to reveal the name of those who were involved in wrongdoings inside the Dera headquarters at Sirsa, and killing of Sirsa journalist who reported the case.

The Punjab Police had questioned Baba Rahim in connection with a case filed against him for allegedly hurting religious sentiments of the Sikh community by dressing up in attire of 10th guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh.

The Punjab Police had registered a case at Bathinda on May 20, charging Baba Gurmeet with Section 295-A (hurting religious sentiments).

The photo of Baba Gurmeet in the dress sparked sectarian clashes in Punjab and parts of Haryana leaving one person dead and over 50 injured.

Baba Gurmeet had tendered an apology, saying he had no intention of hurting the sentiments of the Sikhs, but the Sikh clergy rejected his apology.
The court had granted interim bail to the Dera chief until August 6, which was later extended.

ANI>