CBI opposes Dera chief's bail plea

Ambala, Oct 20: The CBI today strongly opposed Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's plea for regular bail in a rape case and two cases of murder conspiracy in a special court here, contending that the Baba was still threatening the witnesses.

During the arguments in the special CBI court, CBI counsel Rajan Gupta prayed that the Dera chief be not granted regular bail as he was still threatening the witnesses.

The CBI counsel said the agency had definite evidence in the rape case and had statement of the victims under 164 Cr P C. He also submitted to the judge a sealed envelope in this regard.

The counsel said the accused had threatened his former driver Khatta Singh who was CBI's key witness in the murder cases. The Baba had been charged by the CBI in the murder cases of Sirsa-based journalist Ramchander Chhatrapati and former Dera manager Ranjit Singh.

He said the prosecution had also procured the weapons used in the murder, a walkie talkie set used in the conspiracy and other related aticles.

However, the Dera chief's counsel S K Garg pleaded that all allegations against his client were false and baseless.

The arguments remained inconclusive and special judge R K Saini fixed the next hearing in the case on October 22.

Thousands of followers of the Baba Gurmit Ram Rahim had gathered in the HUDA grounds here to show solidarity with their Guru today. The Dera Sacha Sauda followers stated that they had expected the Baba would get regular bail today and they would have the chance to have a glimpse of him.

The Dera chief was earlier granted interim bail by the CBI magistrate on October four under orders from the upper court.

The Baba was present in the court on that date but didn't appear on subsequent dates on October 15 and today, although the CBI had been pressing for his personal appearance on all the dates.

UNI