Chandigarh, Punjab (KP) – Several fresh developments in the Gurmeet Ram Rahim case this past week. While the Sikh Community mourns the death of Bhai Harmandar Singh, the murder by Sacha Sauda cultists will further intensify the case. In addition, another case was opened against Gurmeet Ram Rahim in the Chandigarh Division Court this past week by a widely renowned lawyer Arvind Thakur of the Global Human Rights Commission of Chandigarh. In a written plea to the court, Thakur testified that he has received death threats on behest of the Sirsa cult leader on July 7, 2008.
Although the court had sent summons to Gurmeet Ram Rahim to appear in the Chandigarh Court on July 17th or to send a legal representative, he failed to provide any notice of his absence from the court. The matter is being perceived as a dishonor of the law and legal system. Furthermore, the summons required the attendance of the Dera Chief’s personal manager and his youth division’s President but they also failed to appear in court. While the court adjourned without any decision, it was decided by the court that the Dera Chief should appear in the Chandigarh Court on September 4th for the case hearing.
The three officials of Dera Sacha Sauda have been accused of issuing death threats to Thakur and his family. The original letter, which was sent through registered email to Thakur, has been submitted to the court and its validity is being verified. A copy of the letter was also sent to the police after consultation of the Chandigarh District Bar. In the writ filed with the court, it was alleged that the Dera’s personal manager played a key role in issuing the death threat to Arvind Thakur.
Furthermore, Thakur asked the court to provide him with security as the Chandigarh Police failed to complete the necessary investigations on time and there could be danger to his and his family’s life. Thakur said that he is being threatened as he raised his voice against Gurmeet Ram Rahim for his wrongdoings.
