RAMPAL ACQUITTED IN SATLOK ASHRAM LAND FRAUD

ROHTAK: Controversial ‘godman’ Rampal was acquitted in a land fraud case by a Rohtak court on Tuesday. The ‘godman’, however, will continue to remain in jail due to other criminal cases, including that of murder, pending against him.

The land fraud case dates back to 2006 when a woman had alleged that Rampal, along with eight others, fraudulently grabbed her land to build their Satlok Ashram in Rohtak’s Karontha village. It was alleged that Rampal and other accused sent a proxy of the woman to tehsil to fraudulently transfer her land in the name of Satlok Ashram.

The court of chief judicial magistrate Harish Goyal on Tuesday acquitted Rampal and three of his followers in the case citing lack of evidence against them. The court though convicted three accused, identified as Rubina, Krishna and Rajendra. The three were immediately arrested by police. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced on May 7.

Earlier, Rampal appeared before the court through video conferencing from Hisar jail, where he is lodged since 2014. Rampal’s supporters, who as usually gathered in large number at Rohtak court for his hearing, celebrated his acquittal. Satlok Ashram media spokesperson Aman Dass said the followers have faith in judiciary. “All the cases against our guru ji are false and he will soon be acquitted in all of them,” he said.

In August last year, Rampal was acquitted in two criminal cases related to rioting, unlawful assembly and use of criminal force. He, however, will continue to remain in jail for several other charges.