Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh: Difference between revisions

{{short description|Former social reformer, preacher, and spiritual leader who was convicted of murder and rape.}}

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| name               = Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh

| image             = Saint Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan (cropped).jpg

| image_upright     = 1

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| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1967|08|15}}

| birth_place       = [[Sri Gurusar Modia]], [[Sri Ganganagar]], [[Rajasthan]], [[India]]

| nationality       = Indian

| occupation         = {{hlist|Social group leader|spiritual|teacher|actor|filmmaker|singer|songwriter}}

| yearsactive       = 1990–present

| spouse             = Harjeet Kaur

| children           = 4

| parents           =

| website           = {{URL|https://www.saintgurmeetramrahimsinghjiinsan.org/}}

| organization       = [[Dera Sacha Sauda]]

| criminal_charge = {{flatlist |

| conviction = {{flatlist |

| conviction_status = [[Life imprisonment]]

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| victims = {{bulleted list |Rape: unknown|Murder: [[Murder of Ram Chander Chhatrapati|Ram Chander Chhatrapati]]|Castration: 400 of his followers}}

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| country = India

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'''Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan''' (born 15 August 1967) is the head of the Indian social group [[Dera Sacha Sauda]] (DSS) since 1990. He is also a convicted rapist,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-from-gurmeet-ram-rahim-to-radhe-maa-top-5-controversial-gurus-of-india-2540004|title=From Gurmeet Ram Rahim to Radhe Maa: Top 5 controversial 'Gurus' of India}}</ref> and was convicted of being involved in the [[Murder of Ram Chander Chhatrapati|murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati]].

''[[The Indian Express]]'' had placed Ram Rahim 96th in their list of the 100 most powerful Indians of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/indian-express-power-list-2015-no-91-100/|title=Indian Express Power List 2015: No. 91-100|date=28 February 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=28 October 2016}}</ref> He has released several music albums and films, which typically revolve around himself and his teachings. He is usually credited in his films as actor, director, writer, songwriter, as well as various other roles, in one instance being credited in thirty departments.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/msg-the-warrior-lion-heart-trailer-gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-ji-insan/1/758413.html|title=MSG The Warrior Lion Heart trailer: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is back as the superhuman rockstar baba|access-date=24 September 2016}}</ref> His films were negatively received by critics, with many considering them [[Propaganda film|propaganda]] and criticising their poor quality.<ref>''MSG: The Warrior Lion Heart'' reviews:

* {{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/msg-the-warrior-lion-heart-review-gurmeet-ram-rahims-surgical-strike-against-intellect-3039766.html|title='MSG: The Warrior — Lion Heart' review: Gurmeet Ram Rahim's surgical strike against intellect - Firstpost|date=7 October 2016|access-date=25 October 2016}}</ref>

Singh was born on 15 August 1967 at [[Sri Gurusar Modia]] village in [[Ganganagar district]] of [[Rajasthan]].<ref name="HT_Bling_2017">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/baba-bling-controversial-dera-chief-has-multi-faceted-persona-thrives-on-claims-controversies/story-MAQGI0c4oFJvWeE0lP6bQI.html|title=Baba Bling: Meet Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the Dera chief who thrives on controversies|date=25 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="HT_Who_2017">{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/who-is-gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-and-what-is-the-dera-sacha-sauda/story-dOCToQSSTenThpvXGPBv1J.html |title=Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and what is the Dera Sacha Sauda? |date=23 August 2017| newspaper=Hindustan Times }}</ref> Born into a [[Sikh]] family, his father Maghar Singh was a landlord, and his mother Naseeb Kaur was a housewife. Maghar was a devoted follower of the DSS leader [[Shah Satnam Singh]], and Gurmeet accompanied his father to the dera.<ref name="IT_Isha_2017">{{cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-rape-verdict-family-three-daughters-son/1/1034452.html |title=Ram Rahim Family History: The story of a devil, a saint and Papa's angels |last=Gupta |first=Isha |publisher=India Today |date=26 August 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=26 August 2017|title=Gurmeet Ram Rahim was favourite of his family: Friends at native village|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/jaipur/good-at-studies-and-sports-gurmeet-was-favourite-of-his-family-say-friends-at-native-village/story-HWkCFCsTge0lBAqNcNx2rJ.html|access-date=28 October 2020|website=[[Hindustan Times]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mahaprashashta|first=Ajoy Ashirwad|title=The Mix of Religion, Welfare and Politics That is Ram Rahim Singh's Dera|url=https://thewire.in/culture/growth-of-deras-and-their-following-over-the-years|access-date=28 October 2020|website=[[The Wire]]}}</ref> At the age of 7, Singh was initiated into the Dera Sacha Sauda sect by Shah Satnam Singh.<ref name="HT_Bling_2017"/>

As an adult, Singh did odd jobs, including driving a [[tractor]], and assisted his father in volunteer work ([[selfless service|seva]]) at the dera. When Shah Satnam Singh announced his retirement in 1990, Singh was not one among the three contenders expected to succeed him. In a surprise public announcement, however, Satnam Shah appointed him as his successor, giving him the name "Huzoor Maharaj Gurmeet Ram Rahim".<ref name="IT_Isha_2017"/> Ram Rahim became the leader of Dera at the age of 23, on 23 September 1990.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/wo9ThKA2fRSnPMF1aBLjVM/Speculation-rife-on-Ram-Rahim-Singhs-successor-Dera-says-n.html |title=Speculation rife on Ram Rahim Singh's successor, Dera says no move yet |date=29 August 2017 |newspaper=Mint }}</ref>

The Dera runs 3 hospitals and 13 educational institutes. Ram Rahim has organised drives for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screening that have been recognised by ''[[Guinness World Records]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/5000/most-blood-pressure-readings-taken-in-24-hours|title=Most blood pressure readings taken in 24 hours|date=24 January 2012|publisher=Guinnessworldrecords.com|access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/4000/most-diabetes-readings-taken-in-24-hours|title=Most diabetes readings taken in 24 hours|date=25 January 2012|publisher=Guinnessworldrecords.com|access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/6000/most-cholesterol-readings-taken-in-24-hours|title=Most cholesterol readings taken in 24 hours|date=25 January 2012|publisher=Guinnessworldrecords.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506164140/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/6000/most-cholesterol-readings-taken-in-24-hours|archive-date=6 May 2014|access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref> In association with the [[American Society of Echocardiography]], he also organised the world record for "Most Cardiac Echo Tests".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dayandnightnews.com/2012/01/dera-sacha-sauda-establishes-4-new-world-record/|title=Dera Sacha Sauda establishes 4 new world record &#124; Day & Night News|publisher=Dayandnightnews.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506164500/http://www.dayandnightnews.com/2012/01/dera-sacha-sauda-establishes-4-new-world-record/|archive-date=6 May 2014|access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref> On 21 September 2011 in [[New Delhi]], Ram Rahim initiated a series of sanitation drives and also pledged his support to the Central Government's campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tabloid/swachh-bharat-amitabh-bachchan-gets-his-hands-dirty-modi-tweets-praise/article1-1280477.aspx|title=Modi tweets praise to gurmeet ram rahim|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110210435/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tabloid/swachh-bharat-amitabh-bachchan-gets-his-hands-dirty-modi-tweets-praise/article1-1280477.aspx|archive-date=10 November 2014}}</ref> {{as of|2016}}, about 30 Mega Cleanliness Campaigns have been conducted in several states of India.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-02/jaipur/30349854_1_sanitation-drive-dera-sacha-sauda-pawan-insan|title=Mass cleanliness drive by Dera sect in Jaipur|date=2 November 2011|work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/raj-min-dera-chief-joins-cleanliness-drive-116100300041_1.html|title=Raj min, Dera chief joins cleanliness drive|agency=Press Trust of India|date=3 October 2016|via=Business Standard|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/vasundhara-raje-gurmeet-ram-rahim-msg-tax-free-rajasthan-punjab-elections/1/782235.html|title=Punjab election move? BJPs Vasundhara Raje makes Gurmeet Ram Rahims MSG- The Warrior tax-free in Rajasthan|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref> On 22 May 2012 Ram Rahim laid the foundation of the Shah Satnam ji Super Speciality Hospital at [[Sirsa, Haryana|Sirsa]]. He established a specialised disaster relief and welfare agency called [[Shah Satnam Ji Green-S Welfare Force]] Wing in 2001, especially in the aftermath of the [[Odisha]] cyclone and [[Gujarat earthquake]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Jalandhar/1-500-Dera-Sacha-Sauda-volunteers-earn-praise-for-rescue-efforts/SP-Article1-842107.aspx|title=Archived copy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420225736/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Jalandhar/1-500-Dera-Sacha-Sauda-volunteers-earn-praise-for-rescue-efforts/SP-Article1-842107.aspx|archive-date=20 April 2012|access-date=17 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Jalandhar/Jalandhar-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-13-64-rescued-so-far/SP-Article1-842466.aspx|title=Archived copy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420225752/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Punjab/Jalandhar/Jalandhar-collapse-death-toll-rises-to-13-64-rescued-so-far/SP-Article1-842466.aspx|archive-date=20 April 2012|access-date=20 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/WestBengal/Devastating-fire-breaks-out-in-Darjeeling-market/Article1-843339.aspx|title=Archived copy|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422230736/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/WestBengal/Devastating-fire-breaks-out-in-Darjeeling-market/Article1-843339.aspx|archive-date=22 April 2012|access-date=20 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120420/punjab.htm#6|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India&nbsp;– Punjab|work=tribuneindia.com|access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/first-on-scene-dera-volunteers-work-as-one/|title=First on scene, Dera volunteers work as one|date=17 November 2010|work=The Indian Express|access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> A CBI report investigating criminal allegations against him mentioned that Ram Rahim's "crusades against drugs, alcohol, and prostitution" have gained him a "larger-than-life" image.<ref name="BS">{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-verdict-today-details-of-the-14-yr-old-rape-case-117082400529_1.html|title=Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh rape case : All you need to know|access-date=26 August 2017|newspaper=Business-standard.com}}</ref> He has also spoken out against [[cattle slaughter in India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestatesman.com/india/dera-sacha-sauda-chief-calls-for-ban-on-cow-slaughter-pan-1491726626.html|title=Dera Sacha Sauda chief calls for ban on cow slaughter|date=9 April 2017|work=The Statesman}}</ref>

Ram Rahim had been known for political clout, as his Dera has a large number of followers among [[Dalit]]s, estimated to be over 70%.<ref name="Swami">{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/Politics-religion-and-resistance/article14772779.ece|title=Politics, religion, and resistance|author1=Swami, Praveen|date=28 September 2016|work=The Hindu|access-date=23 July 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170825201607/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/Politics-religion-and-resistance/article14772779.ece|archive-date=25 August 2017|author2=Sethi, Aman|author-link1=Praveen Swami|author-link2=Aman Sethi|url-status=live}}</ref> His Dera Sacha Sauda is the only one among the various ''Dera''s that openly asks its supporters to vote for particular political parties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/55736977.cms|title=Dera chiefs play gurus to tallest of politicians|last=SHARMA|first=NIDHI|date=2 December 2016|via=The Economic Times}}</ref>

Before the [[2014 Haryana Legislative Assembly election|2014 Haryana state elections]], the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) leader [[Narendra Modi]] praised Ram Rahim in order to attract the Dera Sacha Sauda followers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/specials/assembly-elections-2014/haryana-news/Modi-woos-Dera-Sacha-Sauda-followers/articleshow/44787645.cms|title=Modi woos Dera Sacha Sauda followers - Times of India}}</ref> Ram Rahim reciprocated by supporting the BJP in the state elections.<ref name="HT_Bling_2017"/> and in February 2015, again in the Delhi assembly elections. He reportedly claimed to have over 2&nbsp;million followers in Delhi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/dera-sacha-sauda-pledges-support-for-bjp-in-delhi-polls-737126|title=BJP's New Friend: Dera Sacha Sauda, the Sect Led by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh|author=Anand Kumar Patel|date=5 February 2015|work=NDTV.com|access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/delhi/delhi-assembly-polls-2015-dera-sacha-sauda-extends-support-to-bjp_1541688.html|title=Delhi Assembly polls 2015: Dera Sacha Sauda extends support to BJP|work=Zee News|access-date=25 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/Former-Punjab-top-cop-alleges-Dera-Sacha-Sauda-controversy-was-conspired-by-SAD-govt/articleshow/34112490.cms|title=Former Punjab top cop alleges Dera Sacha Sauda controversy was conspired by SAD govt|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=5 May 2014}}</ref> His organisation supported BJP in the Bihar assembly election in 2015, and nearly 3,000 Dera followers campaigned for BJP in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-11-03/news/67987192_1_godman-bihar-elections-saffron-party|title=Messengers of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh rooting for BJP|work=timesofindia-economictimes|access-date=22 April 2016}}</ref> In 2016, the Haryana sports minister [[Anil Vij]] announced a {{INR}} 5 million grant to the Dera for promoting sports, in Ram Rahim's presence, which led to a controversy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/haryana-minister-anil-vij-donates-rs-50-lakh-to-dera-sacha-sauda-for-sports/story-X2kWjKnB5aCzX8C8IIOLEM.html|title=Haryana minister gives Rs 50 lakh to Dera Sacha Sauda for sports|date=28 August 2016}}</ref>

==Rape and Murder Convictions==

On 25 August 2017, a special CBI court in Panchkula, Haryana, delivered its verdict in a sexual assault case regarding a former Dera [[sadhvi]], finding Ram Rahim guilty of two counts of rape.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto3"/> Ram Rahim was taken into custody.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/dera-sacha-sauda-guru-ram-rahim-rape-case-verdict-live-updates-panchkula-sirsa-haryana-punjab-4812524/|title=Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh conviction live updates: Violence kills 30 in Panchkula, Dera chief's Z security to be withdrawn|date=25 August 2017}}</ref> More than 200,000 people had gathered near the court premises ahead of the verdict in Panchkula, Haryana.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/ram-rahim-singh-supporters-riot-rape-conviction-170825114911486.html|title=Ram Rahim Ram Rahim's supporters riot after rape conviction|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=25 August 2017}}</ref> Following the conviction, there were [[2017 Northern India riots|violent protests]] in parts of India with reports of widespread vandalism. 31<ref name="CNN death toll">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/26/asia/guru-rape-charge-india-deaths/index.html|title=India death toll rises after clashes over guru's rape conviction|author1=Omar Khan |author2=Laura Smith-Spark|website=CNN|access-date=31 August 2017}}</ref><ref name="TOI death toll">{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/baba-behind-bars-followers-run-riot/articleshow/60228213.cms|title=Baba behind bars, followers run riot - Times of India|access-date=31 August 2017}}</ref>–38<ref name="FP DT">{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-rape-case-verdict-today-live-updates-dera-sacha-sauda-rohtak-jail-sentencing-at-2-30-pm-panchkula-sirsa-delhi-haryana-3971721.html|title=Panchkula violence as it happened: Death toll rises to 38; Ram Rahim Singh case verdict to be announced at 2.30 pm|access-date=31 August 2017|newspaper=Firstpost.com}}</ref> DSS members were killed in clashes with police and another 120<ref name="CNN death toll" />–300<ref name="TOI death toll" /> people were injured as a result. On 26 August 2017, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the police to seize the properties of the group to compensate for the vandalism caused in protests by his supporters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/seize-entire-property-of-ram-rahims-dera-sacha-sauda-furious-high-court-says-after-violence-1742075|title=Dera Property Will Be Seized To Pay For Friday's Damages, Orders Court|last=Sanyal|first=Anindita|date=26 August 2017|website=NDTV}}</ref> On 28 August 2017, the CBI court sentenced him to a total of 20 years in prison, 10 years for each of the two rape convictions to be served consecutively. Ram Rahim challenged his rape conviction in the Punjab and Haryana High Courts on 9 October 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/gurmeet-ram-rahim-tells-hc-i-have-renounced-the-world-cant-pay-rs-30-lakh-fine-imposed-by-court-4881588/|title=Punjab and Haryana High Court admits pleas of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, rape victims|publisher=[[The Indian Express]]|access-date=12 October 2017}}</ref>

Ram Rahim has been prosecuted for being involved in enforcing the castration of hundreds of followers; Ram Rahim has denied the charges.<ref name="bbc.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/rape-trial-castration-of-followers-dera-sacha-sauda-chief-gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-is-no-stranger-to-controversies/story-mFCdupu7ARxSIitBk4knkN.html|title=Rape trial, castration of followers: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is no stranger to controversies|date=23 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/india/rape-murder-mass-castration-gurmeet-ram-rahim-and-his-string-of-controversies-2036153.html|title=Rape, Murder, Mass Castration: Controversies surrounding Gurmeet Ram Rahim|date=25 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/world/gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-indian-guru-mass-castrations|title=India's 'guru of bling' accused of tricking 400 followers into cutting off their testicles to meet God|date=3 March 2015}}</ref> On 5 October 2018 he was granted bail by a Panchkula CBI court in the case involving castration of 400 of his followers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/court-grants-bail-to-dera-chief-gurmeet-ram-rahim-in-castration-case/articleshow/66087458.cms|title=Court grants bail to Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in castration case|publisher=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=6 May 2019}}</ref>

In May 2007, Ram Rahim was accused of hurting the religious sentiments of the Sikhs by wearing in an advertisement attire resembling the tenth and final living Sikh [[Guru Gobind Singh]], by using a turban with a kalgi (egret feather).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/radical-sikh-groups-oppose-akal-takht-pardon-to-gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-1224439|title=Radical Sikh Groups Oppose Akal Takht Pardon to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh|date=29 September 2015|work=NDTV.com|access-date=1 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tJqpAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT55|title=Militant and Migrant: The Politics and Social History of Punjab|last=Chopra|first=Radhika|date=12 March 2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781136704345|via=Google Books}}</ref> His followers also organised a demonstration against their alleged persecution at the hands of some religious organisations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_haryana-tense-as-dera-followers-mount-offensive_1179218|title=Haryana tense as Dera followers mount offensive&nbsp;– India&nbsp;– DNA|date=23 July 2008|publisher=DNA India|access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080722/haryana.htm#3|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India&nbsp;– Haryana|publisher=Tribuneindia.com|access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref> Ram Rahim was attacked by a mob on 16 July 2007, but escaped unhurt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/dera-chief-attacked-by-mob-near-sirsa-escapes-unhurt/45040-3.html?from=prestory|title=Dera chief attacked by mob near Sirsa, escapes unhurt&nbsp;– India News&nbsp;– IBNLive|date=16 July 2007|work=ibnlive.in.com|access-date=1 August 2010}}</ref> The Dera Sacha Sauda tendered multiple apologies, regretting confusion over the dress, and stated that it had high regard for all Sikh Gurus, Sikh religion and all of humanity.<ref name="Regrets">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/dera-sauda-regrets-hurting-sikhs/40927-3.html|title=Dera Sauda regrets hurting Sikhs|publisher=CNN-IBN Live|access-date=20 May 2007}}</ref> A multi religion delegation approached the apex Sikh organisation to accept the apology.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-05-29/chandigarh/27879385_1_dera-sikh-dera-sacha-sauda-akal-takht|title=Peace mission moves to Amritsar|date=29 May 2007|work=The Times of India|access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref> While not rejecting the apology outright, the [[Akal Takht]] maintained it was inadequate on several counts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-05-30/india/27875385_1_high-priests-dera-followers-akal-takht|title=Dera boycott to continue: Akal Takht|date=30 May 2007|access-date=25 April 2012|work=The Times of India}}</ref>

A criminal case filed against him, for hurting the Sikh sentiments, was dismissed by the [[Sirsa, Haryana|Sirsa]] court in 2009 and [[Bathinda]] court in 2014.<ref name="The Times of India">{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-24/india/28052679_1_criminal-case-revision-petition-dera-head|title=Criminal case against Dera Sacha Sauda head dismissed|date=24 January 2009|access-date=24 January 2009|work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/case-against-dera-chief-dismissed-complainant-to-file-appeal-in-hc/|title=Case against Dera chief dismissed, complainant to file appeal in HC|date=8 August 2014|work=The Indian Express|access-date=8 November 2016}}</ref> Counter-terrorism expert [[Ajai Sahni]] has stated that the tensions between the Sikh community and the Dera have been exploited by the pro-[[Khalistan]] elements. He has further quoted Indian military intelligence that Iknoor Khalsa Fauj, [[Khalistan Zindabad Force]] and [[Khalistan Commando Force]] have attempted to eliminate him.<ref name="satp_ajai">{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/sair/Archives/5_50.htm|title=South Asia Intelligence Review (SAIR), Weekly Assessments & Briefings|publisher=Satp.org|access-date=21 March 2011}}</ref>

In a case where the Dera's followers were accused of being suicide attackers, the Dera has stated publicly that it was being targeted by vested political groups that were conspiring to defame it.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2007082754760500.htm&date=2007/08/27/&prd=th&|title=Dera sees conspiracy to tarnish its image|work=The Hindu|location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-08-26/india/27958535_1_punjab-police-judicial-probe-dera-sacha-sauda|title=Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation|date=26 August 2007|work=The Times of India|access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref> The organisation has demanded a judicial probe into the allegations.<ref name="The Times of India" /><ref name="satp_ajai" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_dera-demands-judicial-probe-into-women-human-bomb-allegation_1117857|title=Dera demands judicial probe into women human bomb allegation&nbsp;– India&nbsp;– DNA|date=26 August 2007|publisher=DNA India|access-date=25 April 2012}}</ref>

On 2 February 2008, Ram Rahim's cavalcade was attacked, with explosives injuring 11 persons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/feb/02dera.htm|title=Dera chief escapes unhurt in blast, 11 injured|date=2 February 2008|work=rediff.com|access-date=1 August 2010}}</ref> A [[Khalistan Liberation Force]] member was later arrested and confessed to arranging explosives and executing the plan along with his associates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/KLF-ultra-planned-strikes-in-Amritsar/Article1-550893.aspx|title=KLF ultra planned strikes in Amritsar|date=30 May 2010|work=Hindustan Times|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.is/20130125110004/http://www.hindustantimes.com/KLF-ultra-planned-strikes-in-Amritsar/Article1-550893.aspx|archive-date=25 January 2013|access-date=21 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sikh-extremist-behind-attack-on-dera-chief/58052-3.html|title=Sikh extremist behind attack on Dera chief&nbsp;– India News|author=<!--Updated 1136 hrs 3 February 2010(+5:30 GMT)-->|date=3 February 2010|publisher=CNN IBN|access-date=21 March 2011}}</ref> After that, Ram Rahim was protected with [[Security categories in India|Z+ security cover]].<ref name="DNA Security">{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-z-plus-security-cover-for-dera-chief-1101764|title=Z plus security cover for Dera chief|date=6 June 2007}}</ref> On 20 June 2008, a group of Sikhs shouted anti-Dera slogans during Ram Rahim's visit to the Nirmal Lifestyles mall in [[Mumbai]]. The situation developed into an altercation between the protestors and the Dera followers, and one of the Sikh protestors was killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/jun/20dera.htm|title=Mumbai: Dera chief's bodyguard kills 1|date=21 June 2008|work=rediff.com|access-date=10 October 2011}}</ref> This led to further protests from Sikhs in Mumbai and Punjab.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-06-22/india/27753495_1_sikh-protesters-dera-ram-rahim|title=Sikh mobs run riot in Mumbai|date=22 June 2008|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=10 October 2011}}</ref> On 27 September 2015, the Akal Takht accepted his apology and pardoned him, but, on observing widespread resentment and protest among Sikhs regarding his pardon, the organisation revoked the pardon on 16 October.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/akal-takht-revokes-pardon-granted-to-dera-chief-gurmeet-ram-rahim-1233005|title=Akal Takht Revokes Pardon Granted to Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim|date=16 October 2015|work=NDTV|access-date=16 October 2015|agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref>

In January 2016, Hindu groups lodged a complaint with police after Ram Rahim dressed up as the Hindu god [[Vishnu]].<ref>https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/vhp-lodges-complaint-against-dera-chief-for-posing-as-lord-vishnu/story-QlbbI9WTKmcJ8FZHIZfrqK.html</ref>

|Album sold 3 million copies in the first three days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/407635/saint-dons-role-reform-youth.html|title=Saint dons new role to reform youth|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref> [[Music video]] became an instant hit on [[YouTube]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/dera-sacha-sauda-chief-ram-rahim-singh-highway-love-charger-youtube-by-storm/1/360010.html|title=Dera Sacha Sauda chiefs latest video takes YouTube by storm|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref>

''Online Gurukul'' was scheduled to be a future project involving Ram Rahim speaking out against terrorism, along with playing in six different roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/msg-fame-gurmeet-ram-rahim-singh-play-six-different-roles-online-gurukul-676251|title='MSG'-fame Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to play six different roles in 'Online Gurukul'|last=Sen|first=Sushmita|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref>