“Sikh Preacher Dhadrianwale Booked For Rape, Murder”: Punjab Police Tells HC

Punjab Police has filed an FIR against Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale in connection with the alleged rape & murder of a woman in Patiala in 2012.

The FIR, which includes charges under sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, was registered on December 7 at the Passiana Police Station. The complaint was filed by the victim’s brother, a resident of Patiala.

The development followed an affidavit submitted by Punjab Police Director General (DGP) Gaurav Yadav to the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday.

Dhadrianwale, who heads the Parmeshwar Dwar gurdwara in Shekhupura village, Patiala, is known for his large following in Punjab and among the Punjabi diaspora worldwide.

In a video message, Dhadrianwale responded to the case, expressing his willingness to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. He stated, “They (the family) have moved the high court. They have a doubt, and they should clear their doubt. The high court has ordered that the case be investigated after the FIR is registered. It may take some time, but the truth will emerge. I have full faith in the high court and the Punjab Police.”

The incident dates back to April 22, 2012, when the victim was found unconscious outside the gate of Parmeshwar Dwar gurdwara. She later passed away at the hospital without being able to provide any statement. At the time, her mother did not suspect foul play. The post-mortem report revealed that the woman’s death was due to poisoning caused by aluminum phosphate insecticide.

Initially, her family testified that they did not suspect any criminal activity in her death and believed it was the result of poisoning.

In 2012, the victim’s brother filed several complaints seeking action against Dhadrianwale. The police conducted an inquiry, but the case did not progress at that time. The DGP’s affidavit further revealed that show-cause notices were issued on December 7 to retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Sewa Singh Malhi and current SP Ashok Kumar for their handling of the case.

The case gained new momentum when, in December 2023, the victim’s brother alleged that he had been threatened to stop speaking out against Dhadrianwale. This prompted the filing of another complaint, which was forwarded to the Senior Superintendent of Police in Patiala in October 2024.

The case against Dhadrianwale is currently under investigation, and authorities are continuing to look into the 2012 allegations. The investigation is expected to determine the next steps based on the evidence gathered.

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