New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday initiated investigation on guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s controversial Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) for violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
On August 25, an Indian court convicted Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on two counts of rape of his followers, prompting his followers to go on a rampage across a north Indian town, leaving several dead and buildings in flames.
ED told Gulf News that it started the investigation on the directions issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court (HC).
“We have started investigations and will interrogate Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in this regard. There are some other management people who would be questioned with regard to violation of FEMA and PMLA,” sources in ED said.
The Directorate will also probe the amount spent on production of Ram Rahim’s films and foreign funding received by Dera for the same.
“Dera Sacha Sauda’s Chartered Accountant and adopted daughter of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh — Honeypreet Insan — will also be interrogated as she should have full knowledge of Dera’s financial dealings,” the sources further informed.
Earlier this week, Honeypreet had moved Delhi HC for anticipatory bail claiming that her life was under threat from the drug mafia of Punjab and Haryana.
She said she was upset with “irresponsible presentation” of her relation with the DSS chief.
“I am hurt by wrongful portrayal of my relation with my father. I request the Delhi High Court for urgent hearing. Primarily I am charged for treason. The charges farmed against me are incorrect,” she stated in her bail application.
Honeypreet has been on the run since August 25 when Ram Rahim was taken to judicial custody after being convicted by special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court of raping two female disciples.
His conviction led to widespread rioting, which left 31 DSS members dead from clashes with police and 120 injured. On August 28, Singh was sentenced to 20 years in jail for rape.
