GURUGRAM: The properties of convicted godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim's Dera Sacha Sauda in Gurgaon and elsewhere are under scrutiny. Revenue officials are busy preparing their details, to submit it before Punjab and Haryana high court.
In view of the high court order dated September 29, 2017, in the case Ravinder Singh Dhull vs state of Haryana and others, the state government has asked all deputy commissioners to prepare property details of the Dera. Besides, the departments of town and country planning (DTCP) and revenue were directed to examine and submit a report on alleged undue favours given to the Dera, such as granting change of land use (CLU), exemption from getting building plans sanctioned and other statutory permissions.
Following large-scale violence by Dera followers after the godman's conviction in a 15-year-old's rape case, by a special CBI court in Panchkula on August 25, in which public property was damaged and over 30 people were killed, the high court directed the state government to evaluate the Dera's assets as compensation.
"Sub-divisional magistrates and tehsildars were asked to collect information on Dera property in Gurgaon. A detailed list is to be submitted before court," said a senior district official.
One of the properties is Naam Charcha Ghar ashram in South City 2, Sector 50, opposite Adampur Jharsa village, spread over 1,155 sq yds. Over the last few years, the Dera had constructed a large building there, including a prayer room for members.
The plot was allotted to Dera by Huda in June 2006, which also gave it possession of an adjoining plot in 2008.
According to locals, Ram Rahim used to stay in Naam Charcha Ghar while visiting Gurgaon. "He'd arrive in his luxury car, followed by a cavalcade. During his stay, the entire area used to turn high-profile," said a Jharsa resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
Another local said police used to turn Jharsa into a fortress during the visits. "Many people in big cars used to visit Ram Rahim at Naam Charcha Ghar," he said, adding the ashram, which once used to buzz with activity, has fallen silent since the conviction.
Sources said the Dera has a number of commercial and residential properties in Gurgaon, which are also likely to be scrutinised. A district official said the concerned department has been asked to ensure the Dera is unable to sell or purchase any property. "We won't allow any sale or purchase of Dera property till the court case is concluded," he said.
According to sources, the Dera has properties in 17 of 24 Haryana districts — Sirsa, Ambala, Jhajjar, Fatehabad, Jind, Sonipat, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Hisar, Karnal, Bhiwani, Yamunanagar, Panipat, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Rohtak and Rewari, with most properties concentrated in Sirsa, Ambala, Jhajjar, Fatehabad, Jind and Sonipat.
In view of the high court order dated September 29, 2017, in the case Ravinder Singh Dhull vs state of Haryana and others, the state government has asked all deputy commissioners to prepare property details of the Dera. Besides, the departments of town and country planning (DTCP) and revenue were directed to examine and submit a report on alleged undue favours given to the Dera, such as granting change of land use (CLU), exemption from getting building plans sanctioned and other statutory permissions.
Following large-scale violence by Dera followers after the godman's conviction in a 15-year-old's rape case, by a special CBI court in Panchkula on August 25, in which public property was damaged and over 30 people were killed, the high court directed the state government to evaluate the Dera's assets as compensation.
"Sub-divisional magistrates and tehsildars were asked to collect information on Dera property in Gurgaon. A detailed list is to be submitted before court," said a senior district official.
One of the properties is Naam Charcha Ghar ashram in South City 2, Sector 50, opposite Adampur Jharsa village, spread over 1,155 sq yds. Over the last few years, the Dera had constructed a large building there, including a prayer room for members.
The plot was allotted to Dera by Huda in June 2006, which also gave it possession of an adjoining plot in 2008.
According to locals, Ram Rahim used to stay in Naam Charcha Ghar while visiting Gurgaon. "He'd arrive in his luxury car, followed by a cavalcade. During his stay, the entire area used to turn high-profile," said a Jharsa resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
Another local said police used to turn Jharsa into a fortress during the visits. "Many people in big cars used to visit Ram Rahim at Naam Charcha Ghar," he said, adding the ashram, which once used to buzz with activity, has fallen silent since the conviction.
Sources said the Dera has a number of commercial and residential properties in Gurgaon, which are also likely to be scrutinised. A district official said the concerned department has been asked to ensure the Dera is unable to sell or purchase any property. "We won't allow any sale or purchase of Dera property till the court case is concluded," he said.
According to sources, the Dera has properties in 17 of 24 Haryana districts — Sirsa, Ambala, Jhajjar, Fatehabad, Jind, Sonipat, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Hisar, Karnal, Bhiwani, Yamunanagar, Panipat, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Rohtak and Rewari, with most properties concentrated in Sirsa, Ambala, Jhajjar, Fatehabad, Jind and Sonipat.
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