Gurmeet Ram Rahim rape trial: CBI court to pronounce verdict at 2:30 pm

Panchkula: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Panchkula will pronounce the verdict against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh at 2:30 pm on Friday.

Ahead of the crucial verdict in the alleged rape case against him, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief on Thursday night asked his supporters, who have been camping in Panchkula, to return to their homes and maintain peace. He released a video message asking his supporters, camping in Panchkula, to go back home.

Nearly two lakh sect followers have descended on Panchkula and nearby places mostly from across Punjab and Haryana.

The case against Ram Rahim was registered in 2002 by the CBI on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court after anonymous letters were circulated about the alleged sexual exploitation of two 'sadhvis' (female followers) by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Despite charges of murder, conspiracy, and rape against him, the Dera chief enjoys Z-category security provided by Haryana Police and moves around in a fleet of bulletproof luxury sport utility vehicles.