Jump to content

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
Born (1967-08-15) 15 August 1967 (age 57)
Sri Gurusar Modia, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, India
NationalityIndian
Occupations
  • Social group leader
  • spiritual teacher
  • actor
  • filmmaker
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • stuntman[1]
Years active1990–present
OrganizationDera Sacha Sauda
Criminal statusLife imprisonment
SpouseHarjeet Kaur
Children4
Conviction(s)
  • Rape (2 counts)
  • Murder (1 count)
Criminal charge
  • Rape (2 counts)
  • Murder (1 count)
  • Sacrilege
  • Castration
Penalty
  • Rape: 20 years in jail, 10 years for each of the two rape convictions
  • Murder: Life imprisonment
Details
Victims
CountryIndia
Websitewww.saintgurmeetramrahimsinghjiinsan.org

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan (born 15 August 1967) is the head of the Indian social group Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) since 1990 and a convicted rapist[2] and murderer.

The Indian Express had placed Ram Rahim 96th in their list of the 100 most powerful Indians of 2015.[3] He has released several music albums and films, which typically revolve around himself and his teachings. Many of these are based on social issues and promotion of God's worship.[4] Singh has also held about a hundred concerts called ‘Ruhani Ru-ba-Ru Nights’.[5] In his films, he is usually credited for various other roles, in one instance being credited in more than forty departments.[6] His films were negatively received by critics, with many considering them propaganda and criticising their poor quality,[7] although the production house claimed that several of them had grossed ₹1 billion.[8]

On 25 August 2017, Ram Rahim was convicted of rape by a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court.[9][10][11][12] His conviction led to widespread violence from members of the DSS[13] and simultaneous clashes with the police, which left several dead and injured. On 28 August 2017, Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in prison.[14] In January 2019, he and three others were convicted of the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati and sentenced to life imprisonment.[15] In October 2021, a special CBI court in Panchkula held Singh and four others guilty of the murder of Ranjit Singh, a former Dera manager.[16] On 28 May 2024 Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted Gurmeet Ram Rahim and four others in 2002 Ranjit Singh murder case. The Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed an appeal filed by Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim and four others against a CBI court order of 2021.[17] He is also facing prosecution for ordering forced castrations.[18][19][20]

The name MSG is thought to be derived either from the initials of the three DSS heads, Shah Mastana, Shah Satnam, and Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, or as an abbreviation for "Messenger of God".[21]

Early life and family

Singh was born on 15 August 1967 at Sri Gurusar Modia village in Ganganagar district of Rajasthan.[22][23] Born into a Jatt Sikh family, his father Maghar Singh was a landlord, and his mother Naseeb Kaur was a housewife.[24][25] Maghar was a devoted follower of the DSS leader Shah Satnam Singh, and Gurmeet accompanied his father to the dera.[26][27][28] At the age of 7, Singh was initiated into the Dera Sacha Sauda sect by Shah Satnam Singh.[22]

As an adult, Singh did many jobs, including driving a tractor, and assisted his father in volunteer work at the dera.[29] In a surprise public announcement, while announcing his retirement, Shah Satnam Singh appointed him as his successor, giving him the name "Huzoor Maharaj Gurmeet Ram Rahim".[26] Ram Rahim became the leader of Dera at the age of 23, on 23 September 1990.[30]

Ram Rahim and his wife Harjeet Kaur have two daughters, named Amarpreet and Charanpreet. They also have a son, Jasmeet, who is married to Husanmeet, a daughter of the Indian National Congress leader Harminder Singh Jassi. Ram Rahim also adopted his confidante Priyanka Taneja as his daughter, giving her the name Honeypreet in 2009.[31] Ram Rahim's followers have adopted "Insan" ("human") as a surname.[26]

Social work

His Dera runs 3 hospitals and 10 educational institutes. A CBI report investigating criminal allegations against him mentioned that Ram Rahim's "crusades against drugs, alcohol, and prostitution" have gained him a "larger-than-life" image.[32] He has also spoken out against cattle slaughter in India.[33]

Guiness World Records

Ram Rahim has organised drives for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screening that have been recognised by Guinness World Records.[34][35][36][29] Ram Rahim also holds six Guinness World Records for organising three largest blood donation camps and three largest tree plantation drives.[37] He also holds the world record for most people sanitising their hands simultaneously also recognised by Guinness World Records.[38] In association with the American Society of Echocardiography, he also organised the world record for "Most Cardiac Echo Tests".[39]

Mega cleanliness drives

On 21 September 2011 in New Delhi, Ram Rahim initiated a series of mega cleanliness campaigns and sanitation drives and also pledged his support to the Central Government's campaign.[40] As of 2016, about 32 Mega Cleanliness Campaigns have been conducted in several states of India.[41][42][43][44][45][46][47] In early 2023, out on parole, Singh and his sect's volunteers organised two mega cleanliness campaigns across multiple locations in Haryana and Rajasthan.[48][49]

Movement against prostitution

In 2009, Ram Rahim had initiated a drive to eradicate forced prostitution from society and rescue them from high risk groups, the women who were pushed into flesh trade were to be brought back into the mainstream of the society and get married them in a good family. He also made arrangement for their treatment from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. Ram Rahim motivated his followers to marry sex workers and out of which 1500 men, agreed to marry women who had left the life of prostitution and wished to get assimilated in the mainstream of society. Many of these marriages have actually taken place.[50][51][52][53][54][55][56]

Invitation from the United Nations

Almost a month after Singh got convicted, on 4 October 2017, The United Nations Water Body, on their official Twitter handle, had invited Ram Rahim and his "adopted daughter",[57] Honeypreet Insan, to support its World Toilet Day event which was held in November 2017. The rationale behind the United Nations' decision to invite two of India's most controversial figures is still puzzling, as the tweets were later taken down without any clarification.[58][59][60]

Contribution to sports

In 2017, Ram Rahim had been nominated for Dronacharya Award by Yoga Federation of India (YFI) for producing ‘world champion yogis’, including World and Asian Cup winners.[61][62] Ram Rahim has also established the MSG Bharatiya Khel Gaon, a sports village spread across 23 acres, in his Dera headquarters.[63][64][65]

Political influence

Ram Rahim had been known for political clout, as his Dera has a large number of followers among Dalits, estimated to be over 70%.[66] His Dera Sacha Sauda is the only one among the various Deras that openly asks its supporters to vote for particular political parties.[67]

Ram Rahim originally supported the Indian National Congress.[22] and aided them in the 2007 Punjab state elections esp. to wrest control of the Malwa region.[68] Before the 2012 Punjab state elections, the Congress leader Amarinder Singh, his wife Preneet Kaur and his son Raninder Singh visited Ram Rahim, asking him to extend his support to Congress.[69][70] However, Dera's support to Congress alienated the party's Sikh vote bank. In the 2012 elections, Congress performed poorly, and Jassi himself lost the election. The poor performance of Congress was seen as a signal of the downfall of Dera's political power.[68]

Before the 2014 Haryana state elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Ram Rahim in order to attract the Dera Sacha Sauda followers.[71] Ram Rahim reciprocated by supporting the BJP in the state elections.[22] and in February 2015, again in the Delhi assembly elections. He reportedly claimed to have over 2 million followers in Delhi.[72][73][74] His organisation supported BJP in the Bihar assembly election in 2015, and nearly 3,000 Dera followers campaigned for BJP in the state.[75] In 2016, the Haryana sports minister Anil Vij announced a ₹ 5 million grant to the Dera for promoting sports, in Ram Rahim's presence, which led to a controversy.[76]

Controversies

Rape conviction

See also: 2017 Northern India riots

In 2002, a woman wrote to the respective Chief Ministers of the states of Punjab and Haryana, and to the Union Home Minister, CBI, NHRC and the Punjab and Haryana High Court, describing an incident involving Ram Rahim. The Punjab and Haryana High Court sought a report from the District and Sessions Judge of Sirsa, after which Judge MS Sular conducted an inquiry and submitted a report recommending a probe by a central agency.

After the report from Sirsa, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the CBI to probe into the allegations levelled in the letter. The Chandigarh Branch, CBI registered a case of rape under the IPC Section 376, criminal intimidation under Section 506 and insult to the modesty of a woman under 509. This letter was published in Ram Chander Chhatrapati's four-page Hindi eveninger, Poora Sach in 2002.[77] A CBI probe was ordered into the incident on 24 September 2002. The investigations involved contacting 18 sadhvis who had left the dera by 2002.[78] In the same year, Ram Rahim had charges levied against him for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who was writing articles at the time about Dera Sacha Sauda, and for the murder of Dera Sacha Sauda manager Ranjit Singh.[79]

In 2014 Ram Rahim said he was impotent since 1990. The special CBI court rejected these contentions.[80]

On 25 August 2017, a special CBI court in Panchkula, Haryana, delivered its verdict in a sexual assault case regarding a former Dera sadhvi, finding Ram Rahim guilty of two counts of rape.[9][10][11] Ram Rahim was taken into custody.[81] More than 200,000 people had gathered near the court premises ahead of the verdict in Panchkula, Haryana.[82] Following the conviction, there were violent protests in parts of India with reports of widespread vandalism. 31[83][84]–38[85] DSS members were killed in clashes with police and another 120[83]–300[84] people were injured as a result. On 26 August 2017, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the police to seize the properties of the group to compensate for the vandalism caused in protests by his supporters.[86] On 28 August 2017, the CBI court sentenced him to a total of 20 years in prison, 10 years for each of the two rape convictions to be served consecutively. Ram Rahim challenged his rape conviction in the Punjab and Haryana High Courts on 9 October 2017.[87]

Murder conviction

In January 2019, Ram Rahim was convicted of the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati.[88] Chhatrapati was shot in 2002 outside his home after reporting articles on the rape charges facing Ram Rahim. Afterwards, Chhatrapati's father gave a letter to police implicating Dera members. On 17 January 2019, Ram Rahim was sentenced to life imprisonment by Special CBI Court along with three other men involved.[15][89] Ram Rahim challenged his murder conviction in the Punjab and Haryana High Courts on 15 March 2019.[90]

Castration of followers

Ram Rahim has been prosecuted for being involved in enforcing the castration of hundreds of followers; Ram Rahim has denied the charges.[91][92][18][93] On 5 October 2018 he was granted bail by a Panchkula CBI court in the case involving castration of 400 of his followers.[94]

Conflict with Sikh and Hindu groups

In May 2007, Ram Rahim was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikhs by wearing in an advertisement attire resembling the tenth and final living Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, by using a turban with a kalgi (egret feather).[95][96] His followers also organised a demonstration against their alleged persecution at the hands of some religious organisations.[97][98] Ram Rahim was attacked by a mob on 16 July 2007, but escaped unhurt.[99] The Dera Sacha Sauda tendered multiple apologies, regretting confusion over the dress, and stated that it had high regard for all Sikh Gurus, Sikh religion and all of humanity.[100] A multi religion delegation approached the apex Sikh organisation to accept the apology.[101] While not rejecting the apology outright, the Akal Takht maintained it was inadequate on several counts.[102]

A criminal case filed against him, for hurting the Sikh sentiments, was dismissed by the Sirsa court in 2009 and Bathinda court in 2014.[103][104] Counter-terrorism expert 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 attempted to eliminate him.[105] In a case where the Dera's followers were accused of being suicide attackers, the Dera has stated publicly that it was being targeted by vested political groups that were conspiring to defame it.[106][107] The organisation has demanded a judicial probe into the allegations.[103][105][108]

On 2 February 2008, Ram Rahim's cavalcade was attacked, with explosives injuring 11 persons.[109] A Khalistan Liberation Force member was later arrested and confessed to arranging explosives and executing the plan along with his associates.[110][111] After that, Ram Rahim was protected with Z+ security cover.[112] On 20 June 2008, a group of Sikhs shouted anti-Dera slogans during Ram Rahim'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.[113] This led to further protests from Sikhs in Mumbai and Punjab.[114] On 27 September 2015, the Akal Takht accepted his apology and pardoned him, but, on observing widespread resentment and protest among Sikhs regarding his pardon, the organisation revoked the pardon on 16 October.[115]

On 8 November 2021 the Punjab Police found concrete evidence for Gurmeet Ram Rahim's involvement in more than 107 cases of Guru Granth Sahib sacrilege cases. He was brought to investigation although no FIR has been issued yet. The Dera Sacha Sauda chief was named as an accused in the theft of 52 "bir's" (copy) of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs and burning of a gurdwara and 49 Swaroops along with tearing and misusing 6 of them.[116][117] The court had, however, said Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh would not be taken to the Faridkot court in pursuance of a production warrant, according to Hindustan Times the Dera Chief didn't cooperate fully.

The previous SAD-BJP government in Punjab had handed over three cases—lodged in connection with the theft of a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib from a Burj Jawahar Singh Wala gurdwara, putting up of handwritten sacrilegious posters in Bargari and Burj Jawahar Singh Wala, and torn pages of the holy book found at Bargari—to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).[118]

Currently death threats have been issued against him with placards saying "Satkar Committee, Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee and Shiromani Budha Dal Fauj please give justice, this evil person (Dusht) has killed the Guru Maharaj, defeat him through the sword (Kirpan) or through the pen (Kalam)."[119]

In January 2016, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad lodged a complaint with police after Ram Rahim dressed up as the Hindu god Vishnu.[120]

In September 2017, the Hindu society Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, had denounced Ram Rahim Singh as a fake baba.[121]

Parole

On 24 October 2020, the jail superintendent granted Ram Rahim one day of parole, to allow him to visit his ailing mother in a hospital in Gurgaon. The administration secretly carried out the work and Ram Rahim was accompanied by police.[122][123]

On 21 May 2021, Ram Rahim's parole application to visit his unwell mother was approved, which lead to his release for 12 hours, "from sunrise to sunset", under police protection.[124][125]

In February 2022, Ram Rahim was granted 21-day furlough to meet his family.[126] He was given Z plus security.[127]

In June 2022, Ram Rahim was granted a 30-day parole, during which he stayed at his Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram, Barnawa, in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat.[128][129] The parole was objected by the SGPC.[130]

On 14 October 2022,[131] Ram Rahim was granted a 40-day parole,[132] during which he again stayed in Barnawa, in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat. During his parole, he released three music videos of tracks wrote, sang, produced and composed by him, titled "Sadi Nit Diwali",[133] "Jaago Duniya De Loko" and "Chat Pe Chat",[134] on his own YouTube channel. Delhi Commission for Women's chairperson Swati Maliwal appealed to cancel the parole.[135]

On 21 January 2023, Ram Rahim was given another parole for 40 days to stay at his Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram, Barnawa. The main motive of the parole was to allow Ram Rahim to virtually attend the grand religious fest held at the Dera Headquarters, in Sirsa, on the birth anniversary of the previous dera chief, Shah Satnam Singh.[136][137][138] On 23 January 2023 Ram Rahim was seen cutting a giant cake with a sword at Barnala Ashram, Baghpat in a viral video which is an illegal act (Public display of weapons) under the Arms Act, 1959.[139]

On 20 July 2023, Ram Rahim was granted parole once again. This time, the bail period is of 30-days.[140][141][142]

On 20 November 2023, Ram Rahim was granted 21-day furlough. This is the third time he had been given relief this year.[143][144][145]

On 19 January 2024, Ram Rahim was again granted parole, this time for 50 days. He would stay in his Barnawa Ashram in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat during the period.[146][147]

On 26 February 2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the Government of Haryana to not grant parole to Ram Rahim without court orders.[148]

On 13 August 2024 the SGPC strongly objected to the repeated paroles given to Ram Rahim. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami termed it a political agenda of the BJP-led Haryana Government to gain votebank prior to the 2024 Haryana Legislative Assembly election.[149]

Discography

Albums

Year Title Lyrics Composition Label Notes
2012 Thank You For That Yes Yes Universal Commercial debut[150]
Network Tere Love Ka Yes Yes Universal
Chashma Yaar Ka[151] Yes Yes Universal
Insan Yes Yes Universal
2013 Lov Rab Se Yes Yes Universal
2014 Highway Love Charger Yes Yes Universal[152] Album sold 3 million copies in the first three days.[153] Music video became an instant hit on YouTube[154]

Film soundtracks

Year Title Songs Lyrics Composition Label Notes
2015 MSG: The Messenger "Desh", "Daru Ko Goli Maro", "Papa The Great", "Never Ever", "Never Ever (Remix)", "Rataan Bataan", "Ram Ram" Yes Yes Sony Music India Ram Rahim was awarded 4 Platinum Plaques from IFPI for music of this movie[155]
MSG-2 The Messenger "Party Dhoom Dhaam Se", "MSG The Messenger", "Rooh Nashiyaani", "Hasin Wadiyon Mein", "Sapnon Mein Aana Tera", "Hule Maale Gile Chila", "Party Dhoom Dhaam Se (remix)", "MSG The Messenger (remix)" Yes Yes T Series
2016 MSG: The Warrior Lion Heart "Dhol Baaje", "Sohna Mera Mishri Di Daliye" Yes Yes Zee Music[156] Second song unveiled in live concert amidst 3.6 million fans[157]
2017 Hind Ka Napak ko Jawab - MSG Lion Heart - 2 "Jung Hai Humri Aatankwad Se", "System Hil Gaya", "Thank U For That", "Tujhe Paa Ke" Yes Yes Zee Music Company
2017 Jattu Engineer "Holi Ki Pichkari", "Josh Mein" Yes Yes Hakikat Music

Non-Album Singles

Year Title Lyrics Composition Production Music Notes
2016 Tiranga Rumal Chhu League - Anthem Song Yes Yes No Yes Anthem for Tiranga Rumal Chhu League organised by MSG All Trading International Pvt. Ltd
2022 Paap Chhupake Punya Dikhake Yes Yes Yes Yes [158]
Sadi Nit Diwali Yes Yes Yes Yes [159]
Jaago Duniya De Loko Yes Yes Yes Yes Punjabi anthem for Ram Rahim's DEPTH campaign for a drug-free society[160]
Chat Pe Chat Yes Yes Yes Yes [134]
2023 Mere Desh Ki Jawani Yes Yes Yes Yes Patriotic song[161]
Aashirwad Maon Ka Yes Yes Yes Yes Haryanvi anthem for Ram Rahim's DEPTH and SAFE campaign for a drug-free society[162]

Filmography

Films

Year Film Director Writer Role Notes
2015 MSG: The Messenger Yes Yes Guru Ji Film debut
Co-directed with Jeetu Arora
MSG-2 The Messenger Yes Yes Guru Ji Sequel to MSG: The Messenger
Co-directed with Jeetu Arora
2016 MSG: The Warrior Lion Heart Yes Yes Lion Heart/SherDil Spiritual successor to previous MSG films
Co-directed with Honeypreet Insan
2017 Hind Ka Napak ko Jawab - MSG Lion Heart - 2 Yes Yes Sher-E-Hind Sequel to MSG: The Warrior Lion Heart
Co-directed with Honeypreet Insan
Based on 2016 Uri attack and 2016 India–Pakistan military confrontation[163]
2017 Jattu Engineer Yes Yes Sghaint Singh Sidhu, Shakti Singh Sisodia Co-directed with Honeypreet Insan

Online Gurukul was scheduled to be a future project involving Ram Rahim speaking out against terrorism, along with playing in six different roles.[164] On 2 September 2017, the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) and the Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) banned Ram Rahim from future work in Indian film and television for "criminality and moral turpitude".[165]

References

  1. ^ Arora, Rumani (6 October 2016). "When 'MSG' Gurmeet Ram Rahim did dangerous stunts without body double and defied death". India TV News. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  2. ^ "From Gurmeet Ram Rahim to Radhe Maa: Top 5 controversial 'Gurus' of India".
  3. ^ "Indian Express Power List 2015: No. 91-100". The Indian Express. 28 February 2015. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
  4. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh releases new song while out on parole, video garners 7 million views". India Today. 26 October 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  5. ^ "Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and what is the Dera Sacha Sauda?". Hindustan Times. 23 August 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  6. ^ "MSG The Warrior Lion Heart trailer: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is back as the superhuman rockstar baba". 7 September 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2016.
  7. ^ MSG: The Warrior Lion Heart reviews:
  8. ^ "MSG-The Messenger collecting Rs 100 cr news is false". India TV News. 23 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim found guilty of rape, CBI court ruling comes after 14 years". The Times of India. 25 August 2017. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022.
  10. ^ a b "Ram Rahim Guilty of Rape, 30 Reported Dead As Sect Erupts: 10 Facts". NDTV. 26 August 2017. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022.
  11. ^ a b "Ram Rahim guilty of rape: What happened through the day". India Today. 25 August 2017.
  12. ^ "Ram Rahim Singh convicted". livemint. 25 August 2017. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  13. ^ "Ram Rahim Singh's supporters riot after rape conviction". Al Jazeera. 25 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  14. ^ "India guru rape: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh jailed for 20 years". BBC News. 28 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  15. ^ a b "Journalist murder case: Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, 3 others awarded life term". The Times of India. 17 January 2019.
  16. ^ "Ranjit Singh murder case: Dera Sacha Sauda head Ram Rahim found guilty". Hindustan Times. 9 October 2021. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  17. ^ Sandhu, Jagpreet Singh (29 May 2024). "Gurmeet Ram Rahim, 4 others acquitted in 2002 Ranjit Singh murder case". The Indian Express. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  18. ^ a b "Guru Ram Rahim Singh rape verdict draws crowds". BBC. 25 August 2017. Archived from the original on 15 August 2022.
  19. ^ "This Isn't Ram Rahim Singh's First Brush With Court And Controversy". 25 August 2017.
  20. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim: Why is he such a controversial figure?". 23 August 2017.
  21. ^ Chhabra, Aarish (27 August 2017). "Why die for Ram Rahim? Read the MSG in the mayhem". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  22. ^ a b c d "Baba Bling: Meet Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the Dera chief who thrives on controversies". 25 August 2017.
  23. ^ "Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and what is the Dera Sacha Sauda?". Hindustan Times. 23 August 2017.
  24. ^ "From the India Today archives (2017) | Gurmeet Ram Rahim: The unholy baba". India Today. 17 October 2022.
  25. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim was favourite of his family: Friends at native village". Hindustan Times. 26 August 2017.
  26. ^ a b c Gupta, Isha (26 August 2017). "Ram Rahim Family History: The story of a devil, a saint and Papa's angels". India Today.
  27. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim was favourite of his family: Friends at native village". Hindustan Times. 26 August 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  28. ^ Mahaprashashta, Ajoy Ashirwad. "The Mix of Religion, Welfare and Politics That is Ram Rahim Singh's Dera". The Wire. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  29. ^ a b "Conspiracy for Punjab sacrilege case was hatched at Ram Rahim's Dera Sacha Sauda, say police". Scroll.in. 18 December 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  30. ^ "Speculation rife on Ram Rahim Singh's successor, Dera says no move yet". Mint. 29 August 2017.
  31. ^ "आज का वायरल: राम रहीम की 'हनी' को मुंबई में लगी हथकड़ी? जानें क्या है हनीप्रीत की गिरफ्तारी का सच". India TV Hindi. 5 September 2017.
  32. ^ Team, BS Web (25 August 2017). "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh rape case : All you need to know". Business-standard.com. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
  33. ^ "Dera Sacha Sauda chief calls for ban on cow slaughter". The Statesman. 9 April 2017.
  34. ^ "Most blood pressure readings taken in 24 hours". Guinnessworldrecords.com. 24 January 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  35. ^ "Most diabetes readings taken in 24 hours". Guinnessworldrecords.com. 25 January 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  36. ^ "Most cholesterol readings taken in 24 hours". Guinnessworldrecords.com. 25 January 2012. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  37. ^ "Ram Rahim has 19 Guinness world records to his credit, which is a record in itself". India Today. 25 August 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  38. ^ "Most people sanitising their hands simultaneously". Guinnessworldrecords.com. 23 September 2012.
  39. ^ "Dera Sacha Sauda establishes 4 new world record | Day & Night News". 6 May 2014. Archived from the original on 6 May 2014. Retrieved 3 May 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  40. ^ "Modi tweets praise to gurmeet ram rahim". Archived from the original on 10 November 2014.
  41. ^ "Mass cleanliness drive by Dera sect in Jaipur". The Times of India. 2 November 2011. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012.
  42. ^ "Raj min, Dera chief joins cleanliness drive". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 3 October 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2016 – via Business Standard.
  43. ^ "Punjab election move? BJPs Vasundhara Raje makes Gurmeet Ram Rahims MSG- The Warrior tax-free in Rajasthan". 6 October 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  44. ^ "Jalandhar collapse death toll rises to 13; 64 rescued so far - Hindustan Times". Archived from the original on 20 April 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  45. ^ "Devastating fire breaks out in Darjeeling market - Hindustan Times". Archived from the original on 22 April 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  46. ^ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Punjab". tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
  47. ^ "First on scene, Dera volunteers work as one". The Indian Express. 17 November 2010. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
  48. ^ "Out on parole, Dera chief launches cleanliness campaign; Haryana BJP leaders join event". India Today. 23 January 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  49. ^ "Nagaur News : पेरौल पर जेल से बाहर आए राम रहीम ने छेड़ा सफाई अभियान, नागौर की सड़कों पर सेवादारों ने चलाया झाड़ू". News18 हिंदी (in Hindi). 10 February 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  50. ^ "Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh". BBC News. 25 August 2017.
  51. ^ "All you need to know about Dera Sacha Sauda". The Statesman (India). 24 August 2017.
  52. ^ "MSG actor Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan: Lesser known facts". The Times of India.
  53. ^ "Dera Sacha Sauda chief latest video takes YouTube by storm". India Today. 4 July 2014.
  54. ^ "Dera followers offer to wed sex workers". The Times of India. 14 November 2009.
  55. ^ "Indian sect members vow to marry sex workers". News.BBC.CO.UK. 16 December 2009.
  56. ^ "Youths marry sex workers". Archive.Indianexpress.com. 26 January 2010.
  57. ^ "Who is Honeypreet Insan?". The Indian Express. 24 September 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  58. ^ "Tweet to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh". The Indian Express. 4 October 2017.
  59. ^ "UN body tweets invite to Ram Rahim". India Today. 4 October 2017.
  60. ^ "UN Water invites Ram Rahim". The Tribune (Chandigarh). 4 October 2017.
  61. ^ "YFI recommends Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for Dronacharya Award". The Indian Express. 30 May 2017.
  62. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh recommended Dronacharya Award for producing yoga champions". The Times of India. 31 May 2017.
  63. ^ "Inside the dera". The Indian Express. 3 September 2017.
  64. ^ "Inside The Dera Campus: An Exclusive Look At Ram Rahim's Fantasy World". NDTV. 7 September 2017.
  65. ^ "In Pictures: Inside Ram Rahim's Infamous Dera Sacha Sauda Headquarters in Sirsa". ABP News. 5 September 2017.
  66. ^ Swami, Praveen; Sethi, Aman (28 September 2016). "Politics, religion, and resistance". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
  67. ^ SHARMA, NIDHI (2 December 2016). "Dera chiefs play gurus to tallest of politicians". The Economic Times.
  68. ^ a b Gopal, Navjeevan (7 March 2012). "Amid depleting clout, dera chief's kin loses". The Indian Express.
  69. ^ "Poll-bound Punjab awaits Dera Sacha Sauda diktat on voting". The Times of India. 29 January 2012. Archived from the original on 9 July 2012.
  70. ^ "Dera Sacha Sauda: The key to power in Punjab — Rediff.com News". Rediff. 28 January 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  71. ^ "Modi woos Dera Sacha Sauda followers". The Times of India. 12 October 2014.
  72. ^ Anand Kumar Patel (5 February 2015). "BJP's New Friend: Dera Sacha Sauda, the Sect Led by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh". NDTV.com. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
  73. ^ "Delhi Assembly polls 2015: Dera Sacha Sauda extends support to BJP". Zee News. 5 February 2015. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
  74. ^ "Former Punjab top cop alleges Dera Sacha Sauda controversy was conspired by SAD govt". The Times of India. 23 April 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
  75. ^ "Messengers of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh rooting for BJP". timesofindia-economictimes. Retrieved 22 April 2016.[dead link‍]
  76. ^ "Haryana minister gives Rs 50 lakh to Dera Sacha Sauda for sports". 28 August 2016.
  77. ^ "We are considered pious but we live as prostitutes: Read full text of Sadhvi's letter that nailed Ram Rahim". India Today. 26 August 2017.
  78. ^ Bhartesh Singh Thakur (25 August 2017). "Men behind the conviction". Tribune News Service.
  79. ^ "2002 sexual abuse case: Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Insan claims he's not capable of having sex". 13 February 2014. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  80. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Insan claims he's not capable of having sex". India Today. 13 February 2014.
  81. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh conviction live updates: Violence kills 30 in Panchkula, Dera chief's Z security to be withdrawn". 25 August 2017.
  82. ^ "Ram Rahim Ram Rahim's supporters riot after rape conviction". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  83. ^ a b Khan, Omar; Smith-Spark, Laura (26 August 2017). "India death toll rises after clashes over guru's rape conviction". CNN. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
  84. ^ a b "Baba behind bars, followers run riot". The Times of India. 26 August 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
  85. ^ "Panchkula violence as it happened: Death toll rises to 38; Ram Rahim Singh case verdict to be announced at 2.30 pm". Firstpost.com. 27 August 2017. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
  86. ^ Sanyal, Anindita (26 August 2017). "Dera Property Will Be Seized To Pay For Friday's Damages, Orders Court". NDTV.
  87. ^ "Punjab and Haryana High Court admits pleas of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, rape victims". The Indian Express. 10 October 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2017.
  88. ^ "Ram Rahim Singh: India guru guilty of journalist's murder". BBC. Retrieved 12 January 2019.
  89. ^ "'A real reporter takes the bullet': An Indian journalist's scoop cost him his life – but exposed a dark secret". The Washington Post. 18 January 2019.
  90. ^ "HC admits Ram Rahim's plea, stays fine recovery". The Tribune (Chandigarh). Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  91. ^ "Rape trial, castration of followers: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is no stranger to controversies". 23 August 2017.
  92. ^ "Rape, Murder, Mass Castration: Controversies surrounding Gurmeet Ram Rahim". 25 August 2017.
  93. ^ "India's 'guru of bling' accused of tricking 400 followers into cutting off their testicles to meet God". 3 March 2015.
  94. ^ "Court grants bail to Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in castration case". The Economic Times. Retrieved 6 May 2019.
  95. ^ "Radical Sikh Groups Oppose Akal Takht Pardon to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh". NDTV.com. 29 September 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
  96. ^ Chopra, Radhika (12 March 2012). Militant and Migrant: The Politics and Social History of Punjab. Routledge. ISBN 9781136704345 – via Google Books.
  97. ^ "Haryana tense as Dera followers mount offensive – India – DNA". DNA India. 23 July 2008. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  98. ^ "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Haryana". Tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  99. ^ "Dera chief attacked by mob near Sirsa, escapes unhurt – India News – IBNLive". ibnlive.in.com. 16 July 2007. Archived from the original on 21 April 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  100. ^ "Dera Sauda regrets hurting Sikhs". CNN-IBN Live. Retrieved 20 May 2007.
  101. ^ "Peace mission moves to Amritsar". The Times of India. 29 May 2007. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  102. ^ "Dera boycott to continue: Akal Takht". The Times of India. 30 May 2007. Archived from the original on 1 July 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  103. ^ a b "Criminal case against Dera Sacha Sauda head dismissed". The Times of India. 24 January 2009. Archived from the original on 26 July 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2009.
  104. ^ "Case against Dera chief dismissed, complainant to file appeal in HC". The Indian Express. 8 August 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  105. ^ a b "South Asia Intelligence Review (SAIR), Weekly Assessments & Briefings". Satp.org. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
  106. ^ "Dera sees conspiracy to tarnish its image". The Hindu. Chennai, India.[permanent dead link‍]
  107. ^ "Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation". The Times of India. 26 August 2007. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  108. ^ "Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation – India – DNA". DNA India. 26 August 2007. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  109. ^ "Dera chief escapes unhurt in blast, 11 injured". rediff.com. 2 February 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  110. ^ "KLF ultra planned strikes in Amritsar". Hindustan Times. 30 May 2010. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
  111. ^ "Sikh extremist behind attack on Dera chief – India News". CNN IBN. 3 February 2010. Archived from the original on 9 November 2011. Retrieved 21 March 2011.
  112. ^ "Z plus security cover for Dera chief". 6 June 2007.
  113. ^ "Mumbai: Dera chief's bodyguard kills 1". rediff.com. 21 June 2008. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  114. ^ "Sikh mobs run riot in Mumbai". The Times of India. 22 June 2008. Archived from the original on 15 February 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  115. ^ "Akal Takht Revokes Pardon Granted to Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim". NDTV. Press Trust of India. 16 October 2015. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
  116. ^ "Indian Medical Students Abroad With Incomplete Internship Due To Compelling Situations To Get Relief". Outlook. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  117. ^ "2015 sacrilege cases: Ram Rahim bound to be involved in crime, Punjab Police tells HC". Hindustan Times. 18 December 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  118. ^ PTI (8 November 2021). "Punjab Police SIT to question Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015 sacrilege case". India Today. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  119. ^ "High Alert in Punjab".
  120. ^ "VHP lodges complaint against dera chief for posing as Lord Vishnu". Hindustan Times. 18 January 2016. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  121. ^ "VHP to raise issue of 'fake babas' at Karnataka conclave in November". 12 September 2017.
  122. ^ "Parole to Ram Rahim as per law, says Haryana minister". The Tribune. 7 November 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  123. ^ "Haryana Government granted a day's parole to Dera Chief Gurmeet Singh to meet his ailing mother". Times Now. 7 November 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  124. ^ Singh (22 May 2021). "On parole, dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim meets mother". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  125. ^ "Ram Rahim shifted back to Sunaria jail after meeting ailing mother". Hindustan Times. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2021.
  126. ^ Kumar, Ashok (7 February 2022). "Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim granted 21-day furlough to meet family". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  127. ^ "Dera chief Ram Rahim gets Z-plus security on his release on furlough". The Hindu. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 25 August 2022.
  128. ^ "Dera Chief Ram Rahim granted month-long parole; leaves Rohtak jail". India Today. 18 June 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  129. ^ Service, Tribune News. "Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim granted month-long parole, leaves Haryana's Rohtak jail". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  130. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim granted month-long parole, SGPC objects". The Hindu. PTI. 17 June 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  131. ^ "Diwali music video, renaming adopted daughter: Out on parole, here's what Ram Rahim Singh is up to". India Today. 26 October 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  132. ^ "Out on parole, rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's new Diwali song clocks 10 mn views; 'is rape no longer a crime' ask angry netizens". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  133. ^ "Releasing music video to renaming adopted daughter: Here's why rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim's parole is making headlines". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  134. ^ a b Service, Tribune News. "Parole over, dera head Ram Rahim back in Rohtak jail; released video song 'Chat pe Chat' before his return". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  135. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh: 'Take back Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's parole'; DCW chief Swati Maliwal appeals to Haryana govt". The Times of India. ANI. 27 October 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  136. ^ "Today Ram Rahim Release from Jail". Zee News.
  137. ^ Service, Tribune News. "Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim granted parole, likely to be released from Sunaria jail soon". Tribuneindia News Service.
  138. ^ "Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim granted another parole for 40 days". India Today. 20 January 2023.
  139. ^ "Out on parole, Dera chief Ram Rahim cuts giant cake with sword". India Today. 24 January 2023. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  140. ^ "Rape Convict Ram Rahim Again Granted 30-Day Parole, 7th Time In 2.5 Years". Free Press Journal. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  141. ^ Mallick, Ashesh (20 July 2023). "Haryana: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim granted 30-day parole". India TV News. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  142. ^ Maurya, Rajat (20 July 2023). "Ram Rahim डेरा सच्चा सौदा प्रमुख राम रहीम को मिली 30 दिन की पैरोल सुनारिया जेल से जाएगा बागपत आश्रम" [Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim gets 30 days parole will go to Baghpat Ashram from Sunaria Jail]. Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  143. ^ "Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim gets another parole for 21 days in rape case". Mint. 20 November 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  144. ^ Ghazali, Mohammed (20 November 2023). "Rape Convict Ram Rahim Again Gets Permission To Leave Jail For 21 Days". NDTV. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  145. ^ "Ram Rahim Gets Another Parole: Released For 21 Days Again, 8th Time In 3 Years". Free Press Journal. 20 November 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
  146. ^ Ghazali, Mohammed (19 January 2024). "Rape Convict Ram Rahim To Leave Jail Again, 9th Parole In 4 Years". NDTV. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  147. ^ "Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim gets 21-day furlough again: Report". Hindustan Times. 13 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  148. ^ Sheoran, Abhishek (13 August 2024). "Rape Convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Gets 21-Day Parole, To Celebrate Birthday With Followers At Baghpat Ashram". English Jagran. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  149. ^ "SGPC opposes parole to head of Sirsa dera Gurmeet Ram Rahim". The Tribune. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  150. ^ "All in the name of spirituality:: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan turns into singing sensation". 17 December 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  151. ^ "Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh JI Insan". MTV. Archived from the original on 20 September 2013. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  152. ^ "Universal Music". Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  153. ^ "Saint dons new role to reform youth". 17 May 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  154. ^ "Dera Sacha Sauda chiefs latest video takes YouTube by storm". 10 May 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  155. ^ "MSG Becomes First Indian in a Decade to Receive a Platinum". 2 May 2016. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  156. ^ "Music of 'MSG-The Warrior Lion Heart' is out". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  157. ^ "MSG – The Warrior: Lion Heart promotions take off with a musical concert". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  158. ^ "पैराेल खत्‍म होने के एक दिन पहले डेरा प्रमुख गुरमीत राम रहीम सिंह ने यू-ट्यूब पर लांच किया भजन". Dainik Jagran (in Hindi). Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  159. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh releases new song while out on parole, video garners 7 million views". India Today. 26 October 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  160. ^ "Ram Rahim: रेप के दोषी राम रहीम ने फिर लॉन्च किया धमाकेदार गाना, क्या सुधारना चाहता है अपनी इमेज?". Zee News (in Hindi). Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  161. ^ "Dera Chief Ram Rahim Launches His New Song 'Desh Ki Jawani' while on parole". Zee News. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  162. ^ "Gurmeet Ram Rahim : डेरा प्रमुख ने हरियाणवी में लांच किया न्यू सॉन्ग, साध संगत कर रही खूब पसंद". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  163. ^ "Hind Ka Napak Ko Jawab - MSG Lionheart - 2 trailer: Gurmeet Ram Rahim pretends to be patriotic". Firstpost. 26 January 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  164. ^ Sen, Sushmita (26 April 2016). "'MSG'-fame Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to play six different roles in 'Online Gurukul'". International Business Times. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
  165. ^ "Film bodies cancel membership of rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim". 2 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Gurmeet_Ram_Rahim_Singh&oldid=1264198924"