Goodbye, Godman!

Godmen in our country make news for the wrong reasons more often than for the right reasons, despite whatever their religion would ideally prescribe. The recent furore surrounding Ram Rahim Singh, the self-styled Godman popular in Haryana and Punjab brought to the forefront, yet again, how corruption and an absence of morality have swiftly made its way among the population of today, even among those deemed to be the most pious. The CBI probe led by Judge Jagdeep Singh had convicted Ram Rahim Singh guilty of all charges in allegations surrounding the rape of two women, which he had committed in 2002. There is little scope for forgiveness, or redemption when the sin is as grave as rape—the worst kind of violence that can be inflicted on the body of any individual. Ram Rahim, sources believe, broke down in the court, pleading his guilt and seeking for forgiveness.

But, it is too late to seek for forgiveness given the intensity of the sin. Friday had witnessed massive violence across Haryana, especially in Panchkula where the judgment was taking place. 38 people lost their lives and several more were grievously injured as Ram Rahim was shown his rightful place inside the prison, now with 20 years of jail term. He was airlifted out of Panchkula to be safely escorted to Rohtak, where he was lodged in the outskirts of the town at the Sunaria prison, where the detailed verdict was subsequently announced.