Ram Rahim verdict: Dera chief gets 20 years in jail

Rape accused Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh 'Insaan' reportedly showed first signs of weakness as he is said to have folded his hands and begged for mercy from the judges. Some of the other sources also said that he was sobbing inconsolably as he begged for mercy.

However, that did not work with the judges and he was sentenced to 20-years rigorous imprisonment under IPC section 376, 506 and 511. Furthermore, the court has said that the godman should not be given any special treatment in jail. As Ram Rahim refused to come out of the court room, the police had  to forcefully drag him out. Initially he was sentenced to 10  years jail in one rape case, but later her was awarded another ten years term in the second rape case. In addition, he has also been slapped with a fine of Rs 14 lakh and Rs 15 lakh in two rape cases, resepectively.

IPC section 376 states:

Whoever, except in the cases provided for in sub-section (2), commits rape, shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than seven years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.

IPC section 506 states:

Whoever commits the offence of criminal intimidation shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both;
If threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, etc — and if the threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, or to cause the destruction of any property by fire, or to cause an offence punishable with death or imprisonment for life, of with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, or to impute unchastity to a woman, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.

IPC section 511 states:

Whoever attempts to commit an offence punishable by this Code with imprisonment for life or imprisonment, or to cause such an offence to be committed, and in such attempt does any act towards the commission of the offence, shall, where no express provision is made by this Code for the punishment of such attempt, be punished with imprisonment of any description provided for the offence, for a term which may extend to one-half of the imprisonment for life or, as the case may be, one-half of the longest term of imprisonment provided for that offence, or with such fine as is provided for the offence, or with both.

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Premonitions of the sentencing was visible in the court premises as security was tightened just a few minutes before the sentence was pronounced. Such cases have three imminent possibilities. One, 10 years jail, second is 7 years of punishment, which is the minimum in this case and third is life imprisonment. However, survivors seem to be unhappy with the sentencing and are demanding a life term for the self-styled godman. The victims are likely to approach the court again even when there are rumours that the MSG's lawyers will also approach the High Court for a revision in the sentencing.

Meanwhile, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh is holding security review meeting with DGP, chief secretary and other senior officials amid violence in Phulka. After 10 minutes of discussion between the prosecutor and the defence sides, the sentence was pronounced. Dera Sacha Sauda spokesperson has asked followers to remain calm before the quantum of sentence was announced. Earlier Rohtak district collector issued a 'shoot at sight' order if any anti-social elements were spotted trying to cause harm to themselves or anyone else. 

The followers of the Dera chief had gone on a rampage after a verdict pronouncing him guilty was passed three days ago. Latest reports suggest that 38 people died in Sirsa and Panchkula and over 250 people are reportedly injured. 

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