'Mujhe Maaf Kar Do', Wept Ram Rahim, Had To Be Dragged Out Of Court

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was sentenced to 20 years in jail today
He was found guilty of raping two of his own women followers
CBI argued he deserves a tougher punishment for the crime
 As a judge sentenced him to 20 years in jail today, self-styled spiritual guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh refused to leave the courtroom and wept, begging for leniency. "Mujhe maaf kar do (forgive me)," pleaded the flamboyant chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, who claims a legion of followers.

The moment the sentence was announced, he broke down, fell to the floor and cried.

"Main begunah hoon (I am innocent)," he wailed before being led out of court by commandos.

Known for his weakness for rhinestone, sequins and bling, the baba - prisoner number 1997 - was taken for a medical examination after which he would be given standard issue prison wear.

Ram Rahim, found guilty of raping two disciples, was sentenced at the Sunaria jail in Rohtak where he had been flown in by a special chopper on Friday.


The CBI asked the court to increase his jail term, arguing that he deserves a tougher punishment for sexually exploiting his followers.