TOHANA, July 29 — Security has been reinstated for the family of the key witness in the high-profile castration case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, following repeated death threats allegedly issued by the sect’s supporters.
The witness, a former follower who claims he was forcibly castrated at the dera’s behest, had earlier petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court, leading to an FIR against Ram Rahim and two doctors accused of carrying out the illegal surgeries. Though now residing in the United States, he recorded his testimony via video conferencing before the CBI Special Magistrate, Haryana, with cross-examination still pending.
His family, based in Tohana (Fatehabad), reported that their government-provided security was abruptly withdrawn on May 24, exposing them to renewed threats. On July 11, the witness informed the court through his advocate Navkiran Singh that the withdrawal had prompted his wife to urgently write to multiple authorities, including the Fatehabad SP, CBI, and the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking protection.
“She and the children were facing continuous threats from unknown dera supporters acting at the behest of accused persons, including Gurmeet Ram Rahim,” stated the advocate, referencing the wife’s letters dated May 26.
Earlier, the witness had written to the CBI on March 25 and April 8, detailing the threats and requesting immediate protection for his wife and three children, warning that Ram Rahim could have them killed at any time.
Taking cognizance, the CBI headquarters in New Delhi wrote to the ADGP (Security), Haryana Police, on June 6, recommending round-the-clock armed protection. A second letter followed from the CBI’s Chandigarh branch on July 14, referencing the CBI Special Magistrate’s order issued on June 11.
Following the requests, a joint threat-assessment committee — comprising Fatehabad SP Siddhant Jain, CID DSP Hisar Ajay Kumar, CID Inspector Kuldeep Singh (Fatehabad branch), and SI Satyavan (security section, Fatehabad) — reviewed the situation.
Their report concluded the woman faced a credible threat to her life, noting that “an unpleasant incident could not be ruled out.” The committee formally recommended that security be restored.
Acting on the findings, the Fatehabad SP communicated to the DIG, CBI (Chandigarh) via a letter dated July 24 that adequate protection had been re-provided to the family. The CBI submitted these updates to the court today, confirming compliance with the magistrate’s directions.
