Chandigarh, 11 December
The Punjab Police has registered a case of alleged rape and murder against famous Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale of Punjab. This case is more than a decade old and has been going on for a long time. But recently, after the Patiala police filed an FIR in this regard, this matter has again come into discussion. The case has been registered under the statements of Sahib Singh, a resident of Kaithal.
The Punjab Police has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday that a case has been registered against Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a woman in Patiala in 2012. According to the affidavit filed by Punjab Police Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav under section 302 (murder), 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) on December 7 in Pasiana police station in Patiala. An FIR was registered.
This FIR has been registered on the complaint lodged by the brother of the victim, a resident of Patiala. Sikh preacher Dhadrianwale, who heads the Parmeshar Dwar Gurdwara in Sheikhupura, Patiala, has a large following in Punjab and abroad.
Know what has happened in this case so far
The DGP’s affidavit came after allegations of rape and murder by the victim’s brother. The victim’s brother alleged that no action was taken by the police during the incident. The petition of the woman’s brother was heard in the month of November and during the previous hearing, a bench headed by Chief Justice Sheel Nagoo asked the DGP what action had been taken against the officials who looked into the matter in 2012.
According to the affidavit, the woman was found unconscious outside the gate of Gurdwara Parmeshar Dwar on April 22, 2012. He later died in hospital before he could make a statement. Then the mother of the victim did not suspect anyone for the woman’s death. The post-mortem report revealed that the death was due to aluminum phosphate pesticide poisoning. The victim’s family later testified before the acting magistrate that they had no suspicions about the woman’s death. It has been said in the affidavit that he died due to consumption of some poisonous substance.
The police then sent an investigation report in June 2013 which was approved by the Sub Divisional Magistrate Patiala in February 2014. According to the affidavit, the deceased’s sister filed four complaints for action against Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale from June 19, 2012 to November 9, 2012. At that time, the matter was investigated by the Pasiana police station and it was recommended to settle the said complaints. The then Deputy Superintendent of Police Sewa Singh Malhi (now retired) and the then SHO Ashok Kumar (now SP) have been issued show cause notices on December 7, the DGP’s affidavit said.
After the threat, the brother filed a complaint again
According to the DGP’s affidavit, the records from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2014 have been destroyed in October 2020 as per the office procedure. It further stated that on December 21, 2023, the woman’s brother had alleged that he was threatened by some persons not to raise his voice against Dhadrianwale. After this, he filed another complaint, which was sent to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Patiala on October 16, 2024. It has been stated in the affidavit that a case has been registered against Dhadrianwale on the complaint of the petitioner and the matter is being investigated.
Video: After the case was registered, the statement of Dhadrianwale came out
On the other hand, Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwala said in a video message that he would cooperate with the police investigation. He said, “They (the family) have approached the High Court. Those who have doubts and should clear their doubts. The High Court has asked to investigate the matter after registering the FIR. It may take some time but the truth will come out.” He said that he has full confidence in the High Court and the Punjab Police. -News-Patiala