The Chhatrapati family of Sirsa is counting the days before the final argument in the case of journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati’s murder is scheduled to start at the Panchkula’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court.
Ramchandra Chhatrapati, a Hindi language journalist from Sirsa, was the first to publish the anonymous letter written by a former woman follower accusing Ram Rahim Singh of sexual molestation. It was on the basis of this letter and a few other evidences that the CBI judge Jagdeep Singh held Ram Rahim Singh guilty last week.
Chhatrapati was killed months after the letter was published on November 21, 2002. The final arguments in the case will begin on September 16.
“We expect the arguments and counter arguments to be wrapped up within a month. We hope to get justice,” said Chhatrapati’s eldest son, Anshul.
Evidence analysis and witness examination in the case was over, said Lekhraj Dhot, the family’s lawyer. “Usually such hearings are completed within a month or so. We therefore expect a verdict by late October,” he said.
Anshul Chhatrapati said that they were “very happy” with last week’s judgement that sent Ram Rahim to jail for 20 years. “We are very happy that the maximum punishment has been given in the rape case. It was not easy, as there was tremendous pressure on the judiciary from all quarters,” he said.
“I also salute Satish Dagar, the CBI officer, who consistently followed up the probe and submitted an unbiased report under pressure, and the two women complainants who never once wavered after they made the complaint my father published,” Anshul said.
