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==Early life== ==Early life==
] ]
Singh was born to Nasib Kaur and Maghar Singh on 15 August 1967, at ] village in ] of ]. The family belongs to the ] clan of Punjabi ]. Ram Rahim's parents were devotees of ], guru of Dera Sacha Sauda. Singh was born to Nasib Kaur and Maghar Singh on 15 August 1967, at ] village in ] of ]. The family belongs to the ] clan of Punjabi ]. Ram Rahim's parents were devotees of ], guru of Dera Sacha Sauda.


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== Controversies == == Controversies ==


In 2007, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikhs, and of involvement in murder. He was cleared of both the charges by the courts.Ram Rahim Singh maintains that he holds all religions including Sikhism in the highest esteem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-07-27/news/27720966_1_naam-charcha-dera-followers-sect-head |title='No true Sikh would oppose Dera Sacha Sauda': Sect head - Economic Times |publisher=Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> His followers have alleged harassment and persecution at the hand of the radicals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_haryana-tense-as-dera-followers-mount-offensive_1179218 |title=Haryana tense as Dera followers mount offensive - India - DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=2008-07-23 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080722/haryana.htm#3 |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Haryana |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> He has attracted criticism for his high security cavalcade , while his organisation has held that high security threat perception as the reason for the measures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news24online.com/Baba-Ram-Rahim-uses-single-number-for-6-vehicles!_News24_35896.aspx |title=Baba Ram Rahim uses single number for 6 vehicles! |publisher=News24online.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> Several times, terrorists{{who|date=April 2012}} opposing him have been arrested with a large cache of ammunition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-06-05/news/27737166_1_three-militants-mobile-number-arms-and-ammunition |title=KZF ultras were planning to kill Dera chief: J&K Police - Economic Times |publisher=Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2012-04-26}}</ref><ref>http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-09-13/news/27734867_1_dera-head-gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-police-remand</ref><ref>http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/police-foil-conspiracy-to-kill-dera-sacha-sauda-chief_468886.html</ref><ref>http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/may/30/khalistani-terrorist-held-in-amritsar.htm</ref> In another case where its followers were accused , the Dera has stated publicly that it was being targeted by certain{{who|date=April 2012}} political groups that were conspiring to defame it.<ref>http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007082754760500.htm&date=2007/08/27/&prd=th&</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-08-26/india/27958535_1_punjab-police-judicial-probe-dera-sacha-sauda |title=Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation - Times Of India |publisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> His organisation has demanded a judicial probe into the allegations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_dera-demands-judicial-probe-into-women-human-bomb-allegation_1117857 |title=Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation - India - DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> In 2007, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikhs, and of involvement in murder. He was cleared of both the charges by the courts.Ram Rahim Singh maintains that he holds all religions including Sikhism in the highest esteem.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-07-27/news/27720966_1_naam-charcha-dera-followers-sect-head |title='No true Sikh would oppose Dera Sacha Sauda': Sect head - Economic Times |publisher=Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> His followers have alleged harassment and persecution at the hand of the radicals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_haryana-tense-as-dera-followers-mount-offensive_1179218 |title=Haryana tense as Dera followers mount offensive - India - DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=2008-07-23 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080722/haryana.htm#3 |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Haryana |publisher=Tribuneindia.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> He has attracted criticism for his high security cavalcade , while his organisation has held that high security threat perception as the reason for the measures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news24online.com/Baba-Ram-Rahim-uses-single-number-for-6-vehicles!_News24_35896.aspx |title=Baba Ram Rahim uses single number for 6 vehicles! |publisher=News24online.com |date= |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> Several times, terrorists of Khalistan Zindabad Force , Khalistan Liberation Force and Iknoor Khalsa Fauj planning to assassinate him have been arrested with a large cache of ammunition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-06-05/news/27737166_1_three-militants-mobile-number-arms-and-ammunition |title=KZF ultras were planning to kill Dera chief: J&K Police - Economic Times |publisher=Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2012-04-26}}</ref><ref>http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-09-13/news/27734867_1_dera-head-gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-police-remand</ref><ref>http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/police-foil-conspiracy-to-kill-dera-sacha-sauda-chief_468886.html</ref><ref>http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/may/30/khalistani-terrorist-held-in-amritsar.htm</ref> In another case where its followers were accused , the Dera has stated publicly that it was being targeted by ] and other vested political groups that were conspiring to defame it.<ref>http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007082754760500.htm&date=2007/08/27/&prd=th&</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-08-26/india/27958535_1_punjab-police-judicial-probe-dera-sacha-sauda |title=Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation - Times Of India |publisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> His organisation has demanded a judicial probe into the allegations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_dera-demands-judicial-probe-into-women-human-bomb-allegation_1117857 |title=Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation - India - DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=2007-08-26 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref>


=== Conflict with orthodox Sikh groups === === Conflict with orthodox Sikh groups ===


The radical Sikh groups (such as ]) and political parties (such as ]) have been opposed to the Deras, seeing in them a threat to gurdwaras.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2009/04/19/stories/2009041950260400.htm |title=The Hindu Business Line : Akalis, Congress woo Dera Sacha Sauda |publisher=Thehindubusinessline.in |date=2009-04-19 |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref> In May 2007, a section of orthodox Sikhs claimed that Gurmeet Gurmeet Singh's attire in an advertisement resembled that of the tenth Sikh guru ].<ref name = "BBC17May">{{cite news |first=Sunil |last=Raman |title= India tensions over protests |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6667219.stm|publisher= BBC News|date=2007-05-17 |accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> They accused him of blasphemy and of hurting Sikh sentiments.<ref name="satp_ajai">{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/sair/Archives/5_50.htm |title=South Asia Intelligence Review (SAIR), Weekly Assessments & Briefings |publisher=Satp.org |date= |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref> The controversy was followed by multiple attacks on the Dera members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/05/stories/2009100559541800.htm |title=National : Dera followers attacked |publisher=The Hindu |date=2009-10-05 |accessdate=2011-03-21 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref name = "Hindu19May">{{cite news |title= Punjab limping back to normalcy, isolated protests |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200705191801.htm|publisher= ]|date=2007-05-19 |accessdate=2007-05-25 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_six-dera-followers-injured-in-clash_1258589 |title=Six Dera followers injured in clash - India - DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=2009-05-24 |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref> Gurmeet Singh was himself attacked by a mob on 16 July 2007, but escaped unhurt.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://ibnlive.in.com/news/dera-chief-attacked-by-mob-near-sirsa-escapes-unhurt/45040-3.html?from=prestory |title=Dera chief attacked by mob near Sirsa, escapes unhurt - India News - IBNLive |work=ibnlive.in.com |accessdate=1 August 2010 | date = Jul 16, 2007}}</ref> The Dera Sacha Sauda tendered multiple apologies, regretting confusion over the dress, and stated that it had high regard for all Sikh Gurus.<ref name=Regrets>{{cite web | url = http://www.ibnlive.com/news/dera-sauda-regrets-hurting-sikhs/40927-3.html | title = Dera Sauda regrets hurting Sikhs | publisher = CNN-IBN Live | accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref><ref name=Again>{{cite web | url = http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070013432 | title = Dera Sauda again apologize | publisher = NDTV |accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070621/main5.htm#2 |title=Fresh apology, this time to Sikhs |work=tribuneindia.com |accessdate=1 August 2010|date = June 20, 2007}}</ref> A multi religion delegation approached the apex Sikh organisation to accept the apology .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-05-29/chandigarh/27879385_1_dera-sikh-dera-sacha-sauda-akal-takht |title=Peace mission moves to Amritsar - Times Of India |publisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2007-05-29 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> However ,the apology that was addressed to Guru Gobind Singh , was also rejected by the Kal Takhth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-05-30/india/27875385_1_high-priests-dera-followers-akal-takht |title=Dera boycott to continue: Akal Takht - Times Of India |publisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2007-05-30 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> The radical Sikh groups (such as ]) and political parties (such as ]) have been opposed to the Deras, seeing in them a threat to gurdwaras.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2009/04/19/stories/2009041950260400.htm |title=The Hindu Business Line : Akalis, Congress woo Dera Sacha Sauda |publisher=Thehindubusinessline.in |date=2009-04-19 |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref> In May 2007, a section of orthodox Sikhs claimed that Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's attire in an advertisement resembled that of the tenth Sikh guru ].<ref name = "BBC17May">{{cite news |first=Sunil |last=Raman |title= India tensions over protests |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6667219.stm|publisher= BBC News|date=2007-05-17 |accessdate=2007-05-17}}</ref> They accused him of blasphemy and of hurting Sikh sentiments.<ref name="satp_ajai">{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/sair/Archives/5_50.htm |title=South Asia Intelligence Review (SAIR), Weekly Assessments & Briefings |publisher=Satp.org |date= |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref> The controversy was followed by multiple attacks on the Dera members.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/05/stories/2009100559541800.htm |title=National : Dera followers attacked |publisher=The Hindu |date=2009-10-05 |accessdate=2011-03-21 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref name = "Hindu19May">{{cite news |title= Punjab limping back to normalcy, isolated protests |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200705191801.htm|publisher= ]|date=2007-05-19 |accessdate=2007-05-25 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_six-dera-followers-injured-in-clash_1258589 |title=Six Dera followers injured in clash - India - DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=2009-05-24 |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref> Gurmeet Singh was himself attacked by a mob on 16 July 2007, but escaped unhurt.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://ibnlive.in.com/news/dera-chief-attacked-by-mob-near-sirsa-escapes-unhurt/45040-3.html?from=prestory |title=Dera chief attacked by mob near Sirsa, escapes unhurt - India News - IBNLive |work=ibnlive.in.com |accessdate=1 August 2010 | date = Jul 16, 2007}}</ref> The Dera Sacha Sauda tendered multiple apologies, regretting confusion over the dress, and stated that it had high regard for all Sikh Gurus.<ref name=Regrets>{{cite web | url = http://www.ibnlive.com/news/dera-sauda-regrets-hurting-sikhs/40927-3.html | title = Dera Sauda regrets hurting Sikhs | publisher = CNN-IBN Live | accessdate=2007-05-20}}</ref><ref name=Again>{{cite web | url = http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070013432 | title = Dera Sauda again apologize | publisher = NDTV |accessdate=2007-05-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070621/main5.htm#2 |title=Fresh apology, this time to Sikhs |work=tribuneindia.com |accessdate=1 August 2010|date = June 20, 2007}}</ref> A multi religion delegation approached the apex Sikh organisation to accept the apology .<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-05-29/chandigarh/27879385_1_dera-sikh-dera-sacha-sauda-akal-takht |title=Peace mission moves to Amritsar - Times Of India |publisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2007-05-29 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> However ,the apology that was addressed to Guru Gobind Singh , was also rejected by the Kal Takhth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-05-30/india/27875385_1_high-priests-dera-followers-akal-takht |title=Dera boycott to continue: Akal Takht - Times Of India |publisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2007-05-30 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref>


A criminal case filed against Gurmeet Singh, for hurting the Sikh sentiments, was dismissed by the ] court in 2009.<ref name="The Times of India">{{cite news | url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-24/india/28052679_1_criminal-case-revision-petition-dera-head | title = Criminal case against Dera Sacha Sauda head dismissed| publisher = The Times of India| accessdate=2009-01-24| date=2009-01-24}}</ref> ] has stated that the tensions between the Sikh community and the Dera have been exploited by the pro-] elements.He has further quoted Indian agencies who maintain that Khalistan terror groups have liaised closely with ] and even Al Qaeda to eliminate Singh,<ref name="satp_ajai"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/punjab/terrorist_outfits/KZF.htm |title=Khalistan Zindabad Force - Punjab Terrorist Outfit Profile |publisher=Satp.org |date= |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> On 2 February 2008, Gurmeet Gurmeet Singh's cavalcade was attacked, injuring 11 persons.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/feb/02dera.htm |title=Dera chief escapes unhurt in blast, 11 injured |work=rediff.com |accessdate=1 August 2010 | date=February 2, 2008}}</ref> A ] militant Bakshish Singh was later arrested for the attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/KLF-ultra-planned-strikes-in-Amritsar/Article1-550893.aspx |title=KLF ultra planned strikes in Amritsar |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2010-05-30 |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Updated 1136 hrs 3rd Feb,2010(+5:30 GMT)--> |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sikh-extremist-behind-attack-on-dera-chief/58052-3.html |title=Sikh extremist behind attack on Dera chief - India News - IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=2010-02-03 |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref> A criminal case filed against Gurmeet Singh, for hurting the Sikh sentiments, was dismissed by the ] court in 2009.<ref name="The Times of India">{{cite news | url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-24/india/28052679_1_criminal-case-revision-petition-dera-head | title = Criminal case against Dera Sacha Sauda head dismissed| publisher = The Times of India| accessdate=2009-01-24| date=2009-01-24}}</ref> ] has stated that the tensions between the Sikh community and the Dera have been exploited by the pro-] elements.He has further quoted Indian military intelligence that Iknoor Khalsa Fauj ,] and ] have liaised closely with ] to eliminate Singh,<ref name="satp_ajai"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/punjab/terrorist_outfits/KZF.htm |title=Khalistan Zindabad Force - Punjab Terrorist Outfit Profile |publisher=Satp.org |date= |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> On 2 February 2008, Gurmeet Singh's cavalcade was attacked, injuring 11 persons.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/feb/02dera.htm |title=Dera chief escapes unhurt in blast, 11 injured |work=rediff.com |accessdate=1 August 2010 | date=February 2, 2008}}</ref> A ] militant Bakshish Singh was later arrested for the attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/KLF-ultra-planned-strikes-in-Amritsar/Article1-550893.aspx |title=KLF ultra planned strikes in Amritsar |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2010-05-30 |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Updated 1136 hrs 3rd Feb,2010(+5:30 GMT)--> |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sikh-extremist-behind-attack-on-dera-chief/58052-3.html |title=Sikh extremist behind attack on Dera chief - India News - IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=2010-02-03 |accessdate=2011-03-21}}</ref>


On 20 June 2008, a group of Sikhs shouted anti-Dera slogans during Gurmeet Singh's visit to the ] mall in Mumbai. The situation developed into an altercation between the protestors and the Dera followers, and one of the Sikh protestors was killed by the bodyguard of Gurmeet Singh.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/20dera.htm |title=Mumbai: Dera chief's bodyguard kills 1 |work=rediff.com |accessdate=2011-10-10| date=2008-06-21 }}</ref> This led to further protests from Sikhs in Mumbai and Punjab.<ref>{{cite news | http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-06-22/india/27753495_1_sikh-protesters-dera-ram-rahim | title = Sikh mobs run riot in Mumbai | publisher = ] | accessdate = 2011-10-10 | date = 2008- 06-22 }}</ref> All followers of Ram Rahim who were charged with the killing were let off by the fast track court after it failed to find conclusive evidence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2011101920111019032622846597757b2/Gunbullet-mismatch-led-to-Dera-men%E2%80%99s-acquittal.html?pageno=2 |title=Gun-bullet mismatch led to Dera men’s acquittal, News - City |publisher=Mumbai Mirror |date=2011-10-19 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref> On 20 June 2008, a group of Sikhs shouted anti-Dera slogans during Gurmeet Singh's visit to the ] mall in Mumbai. The situation developed into an altercation between the protestors and the Dera followers, and one of the Sikh protestors was killed by the bodyguard of Gurmeet Singh.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/20dera.htm |title=Mumbai: Dera chief's bodyguard kills 1 |work=rediff.com |accessdate=2011-10-10| date=2008-06-21 }}</ref> This led to further protests from Sikhs in Mumbai and Punjab.<ref>{{cite news | http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-06-22/india/27753495_1_sikh-protesters-dera-ram-rahim | title = Sikh mobs run riot in Mumbai | publisher = ] | accessdate = 2011-10-10 | date = 2008- 06-22 }}</ref> All followers of Ram Rahim who were charged with the killing were let off by the fast track court after it failed to find conclusive evidence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2011101920111019032622846597757b2/Gunbullet-mismatch-led-to-Dera-men%E2%80%99s-acquittal.html?pageno=2 |title=Gun-bullet mismatch led to Dera men’s acquittal, News - City |publisher=Mumbai Mirror |date=2011-10-19 |accessdate=2012-04-25}}</ref>

Revision as of 01:59, 27 April 2012

Hazoor Maharaj Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan
File:Pita Ji.jpgGurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
Born15 August 1967
Gurusar Modia
ParentMaghar Singh
Nasib Kaur

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh (Template:Lang-hi) is the head of the non-profit spiritual organisation Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) since 1990. He is revered as Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan by his followers.

Under Singh's leadership, DSS has engaged in numerous social programmes, including blood drives, tree planting, disaster relief, and support for transgender people, tribal communities, orphans, and rehabilitated sex workers.

Early life

Ram Rahim Singh consoles victims of a fire in Darjeeling on 20th April,2012

Singh was born to Nasib Kaur and Maghar Singh on 15 August 1967, at Gurusar Modia village in Ganganagar district of Rajasthan. The family belongs to the Sidhu clan of Punjabi Jat. Ram Rahim's parents were devotees of Shah Satnam, guru of Dera Sacha Sauda.

On 23 September 1990, Shah Satnam Singh held a huge satsang where he publicly conferred sainthood and succession of the spiritual leadership upon Ram Rahim Singh. Ram Rahim Singh is married and has three children, although he renounced family ties in 1990 to enter spiritual life. Singh is well known for his interest in music and sports and is now also making music videos. He has also led his organisation to several Guinness World Records, of a social nature.Singh has organised drives for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screening that have been recognized as Guinness World Records. Additionally , In association with the American Society Of Echocardiography , he has created another world record for Most Cardiac Echo tests. He has recently been honored by the American Society of Echocardiography for his social contributions.,

He has been known to wield considerable political clout because of his following. The official representative of Dear Sacha Sauda has said that the persecution at the hands of radicals was one of the reasons behind the formation of the political affairs wing. But the organisation insists that their core focus is social work. The organisation also claims to have thousands of people who are prospective good Samaritan or living kidney donors.

Social work

Dera Sacha Sauda

Main article: Dera Sacha Sauda

Dera Sacha Sauda members, guided by Singh, have participated in a variety of disaster relief and rescue missions, for which they have achieved wide recognition.

Under Singh's leadership, DSS has participated in a wide variety of social programs. These include an annual free eye-care event, anti-prostitution intiatives including arranging marriages to DSS members for ex sex workers, anti-drug initiatives, support for the transgendered, tribal emancipation, and anti- female foeticide campaigns.

Dera Sacha Sauda has set a Guinness World Record for tree planting, three Guinness records for blood donation, and are recognised as a leading agency in whole-body donation. Recently , Insan has initiated a series of sanitation drives in which he leads his followers in cleaning up Indian cities. This drive has been conducted in several Indian cities.

Controversies

In 2007, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikhs, and of involvement in murder. He was cleared of both the charges by the courts.Ram Rahim Singh maintains that he holds all religions including Sikhism in the highest esteem. His followers have alleged harassment and persecution at the hand of the radicals. He has attracted criticism for his high security cavalcade , while his organisation has held that high security threat perception as the reason for the measures. Several times, terrorists of Khalistan Zindabad Force , Khalistan Liberation Force and Iknoor Khalsa Fauj planning to assassinate him have been arrested with a large cache of ammunition. In another case where its followers were accused , the Dera has stated publicly that it was being targeted by Shiromani Akali Dal and other vested political groups that were conspiring to defame it. His organisation has demanded a judicial probe into the allegations.

Conflict with orthodox Sikh groups

The radical Sikh groups (such as Dal Khalsa) and political parties (such as Shiromani Akali Dal) have been opposed to the Deras, seeing in them a threat to gurdwaras. In May 2007, a section of orthodox Sikhs claimed that Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's attire in an advertisement resembled that of the tenth Sikh guru Gobind Singh. They accused him of blasphemy and of hurting Sikh sentiments. The controversy was followed by multiple attacks on the Dera members. Gurmeet Singh was himself attacked by a mob on 16 July 2007, but escaped unhurt. The Dera Sacha Sauda tendered multiple apologies, regretting confusion over the dress, and stated that it had high regard for all Sikh Gurus. A multi religion delegation approached the apex Sikh organisation to accept the apology . However ,the apology that was addressed to Guru Gobind Singh , was also rejected by the Kal Takhth.

A criminal case filed against Gurmeet Singh, for hurting the Sikh sentiments, was dismissed by the Sirsa court in 2009. Ajai Sahni has stated that the tensions between the Sikh community and the Dera have been exploited by the pro-Khalistan elements.He has further quoted Indian military intelligence that Iknoor Khalsa Fauj ,Khalistan Zindabad Force and Khalistan Commando Force have liaised closely with ISI to eliminate Singh, On 2 February 2008, Gurmeet Singh's cavalcade was attacked, injuring 11 persons. A Khalistan Liberation Force militant Bakshish Singh was later arrested for the attack.

On 20 June 2008, a group of Sikhs shouted anti-Dera slogans during Gurmeet Singh's visit to the Nirmal Lifestyles mall in Mumbai. The situation developed into an altercation between the protestors and the Dera followers, and one of the Sikh protestors was killed by the bodyguard of Gurmeet Singh. This led to further protests from Sikhs in Mumbai and Punjab. All followers of Ram Rahim who were charged with the killing were let off by the fast track court after it failed to find conclusive evidence.

Criminal accusations

In 2002 Gurmeet Singh and his Dera came under investigation in connection with the charges of sexual exploitation of women followers of the sect, and the murder of a journalist Ram Chander Chatrapati. The allegations started in May 2002 after an anonymous letter alleging sexual exploitation was addressed to the Prime Minister and its copies had been marked to several other bodies. Chatrapati, who had been writing about the Dera's activities since then, was shot on October 24 and died on November 21. In August 2007 the news magazine Tehelka published a story about alleged murders, sexual exploitation and possession of illegal arms by Dera Sacha Sauda followers on behalf of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Subsequently, court cases were filed against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. In the High court , his counsel questioned the bona fides of the investigating agency and alleged that the witnesses were "purchased" to falsely implicate Ram Rahim. This version was refuted by the opposing counsel. But the High Court granted him bail in these cases after extensive arguments. This was subsequently extended by the trial court.Finally , the bail was upheld by the Supreme Court of India.

In 2010, a special CBI court cleared Gurmeet Singh of any involvement in the murder of the former Dera chief's driver Faqir Chand.

External links

References

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