By Kshitij Mathur, Batch of 2019
From being the Messenger of God (MSG) to a Rape convict- the story of goddamn (read: Godman) Guru Ram Rahim Singh has been a rollercoaster ride just like the movies and songs that he produces and directs. These movies and songs have provided him the stature of a “Rockstar Baba” with “You are my Love Charger” being his top hit. However, little did Baba know that chargers do fuse.
On 25th August 2017 the Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Court in Panchkula, Haryana found that the Baba was guilty of raping women in his ashrams. This created widespread unrest among his followers as well as the general public who were blaming the Government for helping out the Baba and clearing evidences that could help with the case.
Post his conviction, his supporters (Dera supporters) set ablaze various buses, cars and government offices, and took to the streets to oppose the court’s verdict. Following the violence erupted after Dera chief’s verdict, Delhi Transport suspended inter-state as well as Delhi-Lahore bus services. Also, Section 144 of IPC had been imposed in Haryana as well as neighboring cities of Ghaziabad and Noida, with the same being applied to East and North Delhi.
However, this is not the first time such protests have taken place due to conviction of a rapist. On 16 December 2012, the Nirbhaya Rape case took place and people took to the streets in large numbers demanding the accused to be punished severely, with some of them demanding the accused to be hanged. There were continuous candle marches and protests taking place at Jantar Mantar and India Gate, until in September 2013 all the four accused were hanged to death. However, in the present scenario when a convicted rapist is arrested, people are burning the city. Truly, Incredible India!
It is now time for India to open its eyes and see the true face behind the masquerade that most of these ‘godmen’ have put up, and realize the fact that they are nothing more than cheap businessmen who are flourishing by creating an illusion of fear in our minds and are dealers of crime, money and sex. Till the time this godly image of them prevails, such incidents will keep occurring and more and more cities will burn.
Until then, let the Baba be grounded (pun intended).