A special court here today deferred the hearing of arguments on the framing of murder and sexual harassment charges against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh till December 1.
Ambala, Nov 17 : A special court here today deferred the hearing of arguments on the framing of murder and sexual harassment charges against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh till December 1.
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).
Special CBI judge R K Saini adjourned the court 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.
"All the three cases were listed for hearing today and charges were to be framed, but the case has been adjourned on the request of Dera chief's counsel," said Gupta.
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.
"We have asked for some time from the court since we have certain documents that can prove to be fatal in the case. As of now, we are collecting the documents and will present them before the court to further argue on the charges," said Garg.
The Dera chief was also present at the court today. Tight security arrangements were made around the court complex in view of his presence.
The CBI had filed three chargesheets against the Dera chief on July 31.
ANI