Hearing on framing of charges against Dera chief today

A special court here today will hear arguments on the framing of murder and sexual harassment charges against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Ambala, Dec 3 : A special court here today will hear arguments on the framing of murder and sexual harassment charges against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

The three cases against the Dera chief are related to the alleged murders of former Dera manager Ranjit Singh and a Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chattarpati, and sexual harassment of a Dera Sadhvi (woman disciple).

Earlier, Special CBI judge R K Saini on November 17 had deferred the hearing after the Dera chief's counsel S K Garg requested the court to grant him time to collect certain documents.

However, the CBI's counsel Rajan Gupta requested the court to initiate arguments on the framing of charges as the investigating agency had sufficient documents and evidences against the Dera chief and the other accused in the three cases.

He said that the court has granted no exemption, and the Dera Chief has to appear unless the charges are cleared.

The CBI alleged that the defence asked for time just to delay the legal proceedings.

However, S K Garg, the defence lawyer, denied such intentions and added that they needed more time to present certain evidence before the court.

The CBI had filed three chargesheets against the Dera chief on July 31.

ANI