HC Slams CBI Over Ram Rahim Probe, Cites Witness Mishandling

March 10, 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court have strongly criticised the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for what it described as serious lapses in the investigation against controversial Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The court observed that the agency mishandled a key witness during the probe, raising concerns about the quality and fairness of the investigation.

During the hearing, the High Court bench expressed dissatisfaction with the way the investigation was conducted, noting that procedural errors and mishandling of crucial testimony could weaken the prosecution’s case.

The court’s remarks came while reviewing matters related to the probe and the role of the witness whose testimony was considered significant for the case.

Court Raises Questions on Witness Handling

The High Court pointed out that the CBI failed to properly manage and protect a key witness involved in the case. According to the court, the investigative agency’s approach created confusion and raised doubts about how crucial evidence was recorded and presented.

Judges observed that when investigators deal with sensitive cases involving influential individuals, they must ensure strict adherence to legal procedures and proper protection of witnesses.

The court further noted that any negligence in handling witness statements can impact the credibility of the entire investigation and may ultimately affect the outcome of the trial.

Case Background

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, has been at the centre of multiple high-profile criminal cases over the past several years. He was convicted in 2017 for raping two female followers and later found guilty in a separate murder case involving journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati.

The cases triggered widespread protests and violence in parts of Haryana and Punjab at the time of his conviction. Ram Rahim is currently serving a long prison sentence but has occasionally been granted temporary parole, which has also sparked political and legal debates.

The ongoing legal scrutiny of the investigation is part of the broader judicial oversight of cases linked to the Dera chief.

Court Emphasises Accountability

The High Court emphasised that investigative agencies must maintain the highest standards of professionalism, particularly in cases that attract significant public attention.

The bench stated that any shortcomings in the investigation could undermine public trust in law enforcement institutions. It also stressed that witnesses play a critical role in the justice system and must be handled carefully and lawfully.

The court indicated that if investigators fail to follow proper procedures, it could jeopardise the prosecution’s ability to prove charges in court.

Legal and Political Reactions

The court’s sharp observations have triggered discussions within legal and political circles. Legal experts say the High Court’s remarks highlight the need for stronger accountability mechanisms within investigative agencies.

Opposition leaders have also raised questions about the functioning of the CBI in sensitive cases, while supporters of the investigation argue that complex cases involving multiple witnesses often face procedural challenges.

Observers believe the court’s comments could lead to a closer review of the investigation process and possible corrective measures.

What Happens Next

The High Court may continue examining the conduct of the investigation and could issue further directions to ensure that the case proceeds fairly and transparently.

Legal analysts say the outcome of the proceedings may influence how similar high-profile investigations are handled in the future.

For now, the court’s criticism serves as a reminder that investigative agencies must strictly follow due process and ensure that key witnesses are protected and their testimonies properly recorded to uphold the integrity of the justice system.