Punjab and Haryana High Court Acquits Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2002 Journalist Murder Case

The Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the 2002 murder case of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, overturning his 2019 life sentence. The court dismissed appeals against two other accused, maintaining their convictions. Chhatrapati was killed after publishing reports alleging sexual exploitation at the Dera. Ram Rahim remains imprisoned on separate rape convictions and other pending cases. The detailed judgment explaining the acquittal is awaited.