The messenger of god was a bane to society. He has now got the right place
By sentencing Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to 20 years in imprisonment and a fine of Rs 30 lakh in twin rape cases, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court has given a powerful message that babas of his ilk, who cut across religious lines to flourish in a country by taking advantage of the gullible population which reposes faith in them, deserve no mercy. To this end, both, the judge of the CBI court as well as the CBI deserve compliments. That the court did not go for a minimum verdict is laudable. But by giving the maximum punishment to the Dera chief, it has done well to uphold the notion of equality while giving a stern message: No one can escape the clutches of law which is supreme. The rape convict's lawyer’s appeal to the court, to grant him some leniency, on account of the social work he has done and on grounds of health issues, all fell flat. As for the court, the Dera chief had committed a heinous crime — he betrayed the trust of the women who believed that the godman would lead them to the path of salvation. He deserved no mercy. The judge was rightly unbending in his pronouncement. On the other hand, the CBI, which is often criticised for its failure to function objectively as an agency of law, deserves full credit for having done its homework well. Not only did it show competence in following up the case but it built a foolproof case to make sure it reaches a logical conclusion. The witness protection in this case too was commendable. However, for the Dera chief this may not be the end. There’s much he has to see when three months down, he will have to face trial in two murder cases. Hopefully, here too he will get enhanced punishment.
It can also be argued that the Haryana Government should have been more pro-active ever since the court directed the Government to produce the Dera chief before it. The law and machinery must deal with supporters of such self-styled godmens with an iron hand as they have no right to take Critics too lost no opportunity to criticise the Government for failure to tackle the situation. But in the midst of these charges, it must not be forgotten that the followers of the Dera chief had gathered in large numbers — many of them being elderly persons, women and children. All were brainwashed into believing that their guru was being wronged. It is most unfortunate that the baba sought to use innocents as human shield. Now that the Guru Ram Rahim has sentenced to imprisonment on serious charges, it is believed that this episode will open the eyes of his bhakts as well as others who get enamoured of their alleged spiritual ways. He is no messenger Though this may be shocking for many of his supporters. But this may well start the process of the cult of godmen losing sheen.