Saturday, March 29, 2025
Patiala, May 20, 2025:
In a significant development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has recommended the dismissal of the rape and murder case filed against Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhadrianwale. The case, which was registered nearly six months ago, alleged that Dhadrianwale sexually assaulted a woman residing at his dera and later poisoned her to death.
The SIT, led by SP Swaranjit Kaur, included DSP G.S. Sikand and SHO Manoj from the Pasiana police station. The team submitted its detailed findings to SSP Varun Sharma. According to a report published in The Tribune, the SIT found no concrete evidence to support the allegations and has advised cancellation of the FIR.
Following an intervention by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Pasiana police registered an FIR against Dhadrianwale on December 7, 2024, under the following sections of the Indian Penal Code:
Section 376 (Rape)
Section 302 (Murder)
Section 506 (Criminal intimidation)
The complaint alleged that Dhadrianwale repeatedly raped a girl who lived at his dera and subsequently killed her by poisoning on April 22, 2012. The accusations were based on statements made by the deceased woman’s brother.
The SIT report stated that:
A post-mortem was conducted after the woman’s death.
The medical findings did not confirm rape or poisoning.
No credible evidence supported the claim of murder.
Allegations regarding the destruction of the family’s home lacked proof.
Due to the absence of physical evidence or corroborative witness testimony, the SIT concluded that the case lacks prosecutable merit.
SSP Varun Sharma stated that he will review the SIT’s findings and obtain legal opinions before submitting the report to the court. The final decision on closing the case will rest with the judiciary based on the legal review.
This case has drawn public and media attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused. The SIT’s recommendation may mark a turning point, but legal proceedings will determine the ultimate outcome.
