The Hindu : National : Permission sought to arrest Dera chief

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Sunday, Jun 24, 2007
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Permission sought to arrest Dera chief

Chandigarh: Trouble for Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has increased, with the police seeking the Punjab Government’s approval to arrest him for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Sikhs.

Acting on a court order, Government sanction has been sought to prosecute the Dera head, Bhatinda police chief Naunihal Singh told PTI over phone on Saturday.

A court in Bhatinda had on May 20 issued a conditional non-bailable warrant against the head of the Sirsa-based sect.

On an application moved by the police seeking arrest warrant against the Baba Gurmeet, the court observed that the police would have to seek prior permission from the Government before prosecuting him.

The police application is pending with the Principal Secretary (Home), said Chief Secretary R. I. Singh. The order of the Bhatinda court has to be executed by July 1.

Despite an appeal by Shiromani Gurudwara Parbhandhak Committee chief Avtar Singh Makkar to hardliners to defer their proposed march in Bhatinda on Sunday till it decided on the apology by the Dera head, the Khalsa Action Committee — comprising leaders of various Sikh religious groups — was adamant on its programme.

Members of the Khalsa Action Committee along with several Sikhs will organise a march from Bina Kangar village to Talwandi Sabo, a Sikh temporal seat in Bhatinda on Sunday, Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh said. The march would be “peaceful” and pass areas where there is a sizeable population of Dera followers, including its main branch in Salabatpura village. — PTI

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