Chandigarh: The CBI has started preliminary investigations into the allegations of castration against the Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The Haryana police had handed over the documents related to incident to the agency.
Sirsa DSP Jagdish Kumar said that a team of CBI sleuths, headed by inspector Arvind Kumar, was given the documents. "They had asked us as if we carried out the investigations. Besides providing the details we also gave them the documents related to seven persons who have complained," the DSP said. "We have also assured to assist the agency as and when required," he added.
Sources in CBI confirmed that the process to register the case against Dera head was already underway. In addition, it was decided to lodge separate cases after the recording of statements of the victims it could approach or victims approaching the agency during the course of investigations.
CBI officials confirmed to have been approached by seven such alleged victims who recorded their statements before the Haryana police. They had refused to undergo the medical examination. Last month, while disposing off the petition moved by one Hans Raj Chaujan, a victim of castration, the Punjab and Haryana high court had ordered CBI probe into the case. Two teams of investigators had been put on the job to collect details related to the case.
Behead me if charge is proved: Ram Rahim
Rejecting allegations of forced castration inside his ashram, Ram Rahim said he should be beheaded if the charges against him are proven. “This is cent per cent false. I never asked anyone to do so. I would get my head chopped off if I ever asked anyone either in Satsang or in alone to do so...not even once since 1948,” Singh said at his Ashram. “What else I can say beyond this,” he added, replying to a reporter's question about the charges of forced castration inside his Dera.
The Dera chief is in controversy since a former Dera follower, Hansraj Chauhan, approached the Punjab and Haryana HC, alleging he along with some 400 saints of the Dera were castrated inside the ashram on the orders of Ram Rahim Singh.
