Hi Dear Steemitian,
The trending bad news from India this week was about Gurmeet Ram Raheem, the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda. He is now convicted of rape under Indian Penal Code of 376. CBI Court Panchkula has found him guilty and will be sentenced tomorrow on Monday. But this whole court hearing didn't happen peacefully, 36 people who protested the court decision are dead and more than 552 people are arrested. What is that this proclaimed God man, an alleged and convicted rapist, and a movie star has people giving their lives for saving him.
Is it that people have no faith in the judiciary system of India or is it that they have a tremendous faith in him? I think this topic needs to be discussed here on Steemit, because I observed that it is such a big incident, and nobody is talking about it. Maybe no one wants to spread a bad image of their country, but I don't think that we need to hide or stay shut, because that somehow expresses our weakness and fear.
Before going further, let me give you a brief about the whole. These are referenced from a news channel Times of India.
Dera Sacha Sauda - Journey so Far
- Dera Sacha Sauda was founded by Shah Mastana of Baluchistan in 1948.
- Gurmeet Ram Raheem took the charge of Dera Sacha Sauda in 1990 at the age of 23.
- Main campus of Dera is in Sirsa(Haryana) sprawled over an area of around 700 acres.
- Dera claims that it earns from Gurmeet's musical and film career. Till now he has created 6 albums, and 5 films, and he is claimed to be the lyricist, composer, director and writer himself for each of them. He must be a talented guy.
- February, 2016 he launched an online business selling around 151 products.
The Rape Case so Far
- In 2002, then PM Vajpayee got an anonymous letter alleging the sexual harassment of sadhvis inside the Sirsa Dera.
- In July 2006, one sadhvi made a statement under section 164 and substantiated the allegations of rape.
- In July 2007, CBI filed a chargesheet against Gurmeet Ram Raheem for Rape and criminal intimidation.
- In Sept 2008, CBI court framed charges against him under section 376 for rape.
- In Sept 2010, another Sadhvi made a statement under oath, stated the rape charges against him.
- On 25th August, 2017, Panchkula court convicts him of rape charges.
Now the startling fact is that more than 100,000 people were gathered outside the Panchkula court, and following the conviction violent protest occurred and that cause more than 30 deaths.
See how emotional are his followers. People call him rockstar, saint and some call him Sadguru. See that guy lying on the road in front of the vehicle, he wants to have a glance of Baba.
Good Reports about Baba Gurmeet Ram Raheem
- Sings, acts in movies, has written books, and asks people to stay away from drugs.
- Started Swachta Abhiyan in Mumbai, where many Bollywood stars accompanied him. He gathered more than 500,000 people. More than 500 dustbins were installed in Mumbai. Even Modi applauded his act.
- He is against the casteism, and everyone is welcome in Dera.
But what I observed is that all these good acts were done after 2010, even his music albums and films came after the allegations. Along with the rape cases, he is alleged for 2 murder cases.
Well, I personally don't know the truth, and that is why we have the courts. One must respect the court. His followers must be following their Guru's words, but not properly. He never asked for violence. Here are some words from Guru Ram Raheem himself. He claims that few mafias are conspiring against him, because he talks against drugs and casteism. Here is the interview from ABP news channel.
Yes, conspiracy happens and nothing is impossible, but in any case, damaging the property and getting killed is not wise. Maybe he has done the rape or maybe not, in any case giving your precious life for no reason is nothing but foolishness.
That is all.
Thanks!