The Hindu and Dainik Bhaskar publish ads defending Gurmeet Ram Rahim

Indian newspapers The Hindu and Dainik Bhaskar published full-page advertisements defending Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect. The advertisements, titled “What is Dera Sacha Sauda? (Facts vs Fiction),” appeared in the Delhi editions of both publications.

Ram Rahim is a convicted rapist currently serving a 20-year prison sentence handed down by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court. He has faced various other legal challenges, including charges related to murder, criminal conspiracy, and the alleged orchestration of the castration of approximately 400 followers. While a previous conviction for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati was overturned by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, he remains under investigation for other serious offenses.

Both newspapers included disclaimers stating they had no editorial or journalistic involvement in the creative content of the advertisements and would not be held responsible for the views expressed therein.