Dera chief convicted in sacrilege case, another faces murder attempt charges

CHANDIGARH — In a swift verdict that sent shockwaves through the region’s religious communities a prominent Dera head was convicted on charges of sacrilege

The court found him guilty of deliberately desecrating a sacred text during a public discourse in 2022

Presiding judge Harjit Singh sentenced the spiritual leader to three years in prison and imposed a fine of twenty lakh rupees

During the hearing the convicted leader stood silent as the judge read the pronouncement

He later told reporters ‘The verdict is a test of faith and patience’ before being taken into custody

Human rights activists have praised the decision as a rare instance of accountability for religious figures

Meanwhile a separate investigation is underway against another Dera affiliate accused of attempting to murder a rival preacher in Amritsar

Police say the accused allegedly hired men to carry out the attack after a longstanding doctrinal dispute

Witnesses claim the assailants opened fire inside a community centre leaving the target critically wounded

The case has been transferred to the special investigation cell which is reviewing forensic evidence and call records

Legal experts note that the two cases together underscore a growing scrutiny of charismatic religious movements in Punjab

Political commentators suggest the outcomes could influence future regulatory measures on self‑styled spiritual organisations

In a statement the state home department affirmed its commitment to impartial enforcement of law regardless of the accused’s social standing

The convictions have sparked debates on the intersection of faith and jurisprudence with many calling for clearer guidelines on religious conduct

Victims’ families expressed cautious optimism saying they hope the rulings will deter future transgressions

As the legal processes continue both cases remain under active investigation with further arrests expected

Source: The Tribune