Dera Sacha Sauda Castration Trial Approaches Final Phase in Chandigarh
The long-running castration trial involving Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and two medical professionals is now entering its conclusive stage. A special CBI magistrate has indicated that approximately five more hearings will be required to finalize the presentation of evidence and complete the cross-examinations of witnesses, including the complainant.
Court Sets March Dates for Critical Cross-Examinations
According to the magistrate's orders from January 29, the statements of both prosecution and defense witnesses are anticipated to be wrapped up by March 7. The court has officially designated March 5, 6, and 7 as the specific days allocated for the crucial cross-examination proceedings.
In a significant procedural move, the court has directed that summons be issued to PW1, the prosecution witness who is also the complainant victim, via email for the scheduled dates. A certified copy of this order has been provided to Deputy SP Rakesh Kumar Maurya of the Special Crime Branch in Chandigarh. His responsibility is to facilitate necessary correspondence with the Indian embassy or the office of the Consulate General of India in New York to arrange for the recording of evidence from PW1.
Judicial Concerns Over Delays and Administrative Lapses
The special CBI magistrate, Anil Kumar Yadav, has expressed clear concern regarding repeated delays in the evidence presentation process. These holdups have been attributed to the frequent non-availability of witnesses at the appointed times.
The court order explicitly states, "It is pertinent to mention that the aforesaid case is one of the oldest cases of this court and, despite giving repeated oral instructions to learned Sr PP, Naib Court, to ensure the effecting of service of summons well in time and to inform this court at least one day before the date fixed, default is being done by the serving officials."
Consequently, the magistrate has mandated that a separate letter be sent to the head of the branch, instructing them to provide necessary directives to the serving officials to prevent further procedural delays.
Background and Timeline of the High-Profile Case
The origins of this case trace back to 2015 when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formally registered a case against the Dera Sacha Sauda head and two medicos, Dr. Pankaj Garg and Dr. MP Singh. They are accused of involvement in the alleged castration of followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect.
In February 2018, the CBI submitted its chargesheet before the special CBI magistrate, marking a pivotal step in the legal proceedings. Over the past seven years, the court has conducted an extensive total of 218 hearings, underscoring the protracted nature of this complex and sensitive trial.
As the case moves toward its final hearings, all eyes are on the Chandigarh court to see how the evidence unfolds and what conclusions will be drawn in this landmark legal battle.
