Kaithal, August 21: In a significant ruling, a court in Kaithal, Haryana, has acquitted 27 followers of Dera Sacha Sauda in connection with a violent incident that occurred in 2017. The session judge, Kanchan Mahi, delivered the verdict, providing relief to the accused. Notably, three of the accused—Mahipal, Rajesh, and Ramphal—had passed away during the trial.
The defense for 26 of the accused was represented by lawyer Harpal Singh Duhan, while one accused was defended by lawyer Suresh Mann. After reviewing the case, the court issued a 43-page judgment.
According to the prosecution, on August 25, 2017, ASI Sukhchain received information that a group of Dera Sacha Sauda followers had gathered in Kotda village, located in the Rajound police jurisdiction. Reports indicated that approximately 60 to 70 individuals were present, armed with swords, sticks, petrol bottles, and other weapons.
Following this information, a police team, including ASI Subhash Chandra, arrived at the Dera in Kotda using both private and government vehicles. The police alleged that the crowd attacked the officers. The complaint stated that the mob opened fire and hurled petrol-filled bottles at police vehicles. Some individuals were also accused of assaulting police personnel with swords and sticks, resulting in injuries to several officers, including EASI Surjit Singh and Jasbir Singh.
As the situation escalated, the duty magistrate ordered the police to use tear gas and conduct a lathi charge. It was alleged that the crowd then moved towards Rajound village, where they set fire to the Rajound power station. The mob reportedly clashed with local residents, and there were claims that shots were fired at villagers, injuring Ram Niwas in the leg.
After transporting the injured to the hospital, the police registered a case and initiated an investigation, presenting charges against the accused in court.
During the trial, the prosecution presented a total of 38 witnesses. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court concluded that the complainant, witnesses, and eyewitnesses had failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, all 27 accused were granted the benefit of the doubt and acquitted.
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