CHANDIGARH (Saturday, March 7, 2026) — In a landmark ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the 2002 murder case of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati. The decision comes more than seven years after a special CBI court convicted the sect head and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
The High Court Verdict
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Vikram Aggarwal delivered the judgment on Saturday, allowing the appeals filed by the Dera chief against his 2019 conviction.
- Acquittal for Ram Rahim: The court set aside the lower court’s order, citing a lack of conclusive evidence to link the Dera chief to the conspiracy to kill the journalist.
- Conviction Upheld for Others: While Ram Rahim was acquitted, the High Court upheld the life sentences of the other three accused: Kuldeep Singh, Nirmal Singh, and Krishan Lal. The court found sufficient evidence to maintain their roles in the direct execution of the crime.
- Key Judicial Scrutiny: During the final hearings, the bench reportedly scrutinized forensic evidence, including a physical examination of a “soft-lead bullet” and its storage container, to address claims of tampering and procedural lapses.
Background: The Killing of “Poora Sach” Editor
The case is rooted in the brave reporting of Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who edited the local evening daily Poora Sach in Sirsa.
- The Motive: In 2002, Chhatrapati published an anonymous letter written by a sadhvi (female follower) that detailed the systemic sexual exploitation of women inside the Dera headquarters.
- The Attack: On October 24, 2002, two men on a motorcycle shot Chhatrapati at point-blank range outside his residence. He fought for his life for nearly a month but succumbed to his injuries on November 21, 2002.
- The Investigation: Initially handled by the local police, the case was transferred to the CBI in 2003 following a High Court order. The agency eventually named Ram Rahim as the mastermind behind the hit.
| Milestone | Date |
| Journalist Murdered | October 2002 |
| CBI Takes Over Case | November 2003 |
| Special CBI Court Conviction | January 17, 2019 |
| High Court Acquittal | March 7, 2026 |
Current Legal Standing of Ram Rahim
Despite the acquittal, the 58-year-old Dera chief will not be released from Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail.
- Rape Convictions: He is currently serving a 20-year rigorous imprisonment sentence (awarded in 2017) for the rape of two disciples.
- Ranjit Singh Murder Case: In May 2024, the High Court had also acquitted him in another 2002 murder case involving the sect’s former manager, Ranjit Singh.
- Sacrilege Cases: He remains an accused in multiple FIRs related to the 2015 sacrilege incidents in Punjab, which are still under investigation.
Response from the Victim’s Family
Anshul Chhatrapati, the son of the slain journalist who has led a 24-year legal battle, described the verdict as “disappointing.” He argued that “the shooters were mere tools” and that the actual mastermind has walked free. He confirmed that the family will challenge the High Court’s acquittal in the Supreme Court of India.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Dera Sacha Sauda chief acquitted in journalist murder case” (March 7, 2026)
- The Hindu: “HC acquits Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim in journalist murder case” (March 7, 2026)
- Hindustan Times: “Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim acquitted in murder case of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati” (March 7, 2026)
- Live Law: “Punjab & Haryana High Court Acquits Dera Chief Gurmit Ram Rahim in 2002 Journalist Chhatrapati Murder Case” (March 7, 2026)
- The Indian Express: “High Court acquits Ram Rahim in Chhatrapati murder case; family to move SC” (March 7, 2026)
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