The godman pleaded for mercy with folded hands before the court prior to being sentenced. After being sentenced to jail he complained of uneasiness.
Godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was sentenced to twenty years rigorous imprisonment for two cases of rape by a CBI court Monday.
During legal arguments over the sentence, the godman pleaded for mercy with folded hands before the judge. Ram Rahim also complained that he had been convicted wrongly.
After the sentence was announced, Ram Rahim’s fingerprints were taken. The self-styled spiritual guru was then taken away to be kept in the district jail in Rohtak.
Ram Rahim was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment as punishment for each case of rape.
Two FIRs had been filed in 2002, followed by a common chargesheet in 2007 after which the trial began. Though between 30 to 35 women had complained of sexual harassment by the guru, only two had filed a case.
The godman was also sentenced to two years in prison for criminal intimidation, and one year for outraging the modesty of a woman. However, these sentences will run concurrently with the sentence for the rape conviction. Ram Rahim will be required to do some form of manual labour for the duration of his sentence.
In addition to the imprisonment, the godman has been fined Rs 65,000. The court also ordered the godman to pay Rs 14 lakh each to the two victims.
Before the sentence was announced, the godman had complained of backache and requested the court for permission to meet his physiotherapist. However, the plea was rejected.
Later, a medical officer was called in to attend to the godman. After the announcement of sentence the guru expressed uneasiness, however, when his blood pressure was checked it was found to be within normal limits.
Editor’s Note: The copy has been corrected to specify that the godman was sentenced to 20 years in jail and the amount of compensation to the victims.