Indian court gives life sentence to guru, 14 followers
Oct 16, 2018
A court in northern India has sentenced a Hindu guru and 14 followers to life imprisonment in the deaths of four women and a child at his sprawling ashram
HISAR, India — A court in northern India sentenced a Hindu guru and 14 followers to life imprisonment on Tuesday in the deaths of four women and a child at his sprawling ashram.
The court ordered the penalty for Sant Rampal in Hisar city in Haryana state, where authorities deployed hundreds of riot police in anticipation of violence by the guru's thousands of disciples in response to his sentencing.
Rampal, 67, was arrested in 2014 following a days-long standoff between law enforcers and his supporters in which six people died and hundreds were injured. At the time, Rampal was wanted for questioning in a 2006 murder case and had repeatedly ignored orders to appear in court.
Rampal and the 14 followers were accused by police of holding the four women and child captive inside the ashram, resulting in their deaths from a lack of food and medicine as the fierce standoff continued.
The court is expected to announce sentences in the death of a fifth woman on Wednesday.
Hindu gurus and holy men are immensely popular in India, with millions of followers. People often consult gurus before making important personal decisions. But the enormous power wielded by some has led to scandals in which they have been accused of exploiting devotees.
MORE NEWS
Asian Games 2026 Live Updates, Day 14: Birthday Girl Lovlina, Recurve Archery Mixed Team Win Gold Medals
Asian Games 2026, October 2 Live Updates: Follow all the latest updates from the 14th day of the event with Indian contingent in action across various sports.
Centre formally marks 28 strategic Ladakh sites, including LAC friction points, on official map
The Centre has formally identified 28 strategic places and geographical features in Ladakh on the official Survey of India map, including Gogra and Hot Spring, which were friction points during the 2020 India-China border standoff. The move, carried out in consultation with the Ladakh administration, aims to standardise place and feature names, improve identification and promote public awareness of the sensitive border region.
Chinese work gathering pace on Antelope Reef in South China Sea, latest satellite images show
Chinese construction at Antelope Reef is well underway, aiming to develop a significant military runway. Analysts project its completion by mid-2027, which would strengthen Beijing's military presence in the South China Sea. Satellite imagery reveals extensive ongoing work including grading and compacting the runway foundation. The base could significantly extend the range of Chinese naval and military operations in the region.
FCNR inflows cushion rupee, BoP; FII flows crucial for sustained external stability: Report
Foreign currency non-resident inflows have significantly bolstered rupee stability and India's balance of payments. However, the current support from these inflows may not suffice for long-term external stability. Foreign institutional investor flows are crucial for maintaining economic balance as the support from FCNR is absorbed. India's goods deficit has reached a decade-high despite continuous support from services exports and remittances.
India goes FTA shopping at G20 as Piyush Goyal works the room with a cart full of trade deals
India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is actively engaged in negotiations for several trade agreements at the G20 meeting. Talks with the US include an interim pact and finalizing issues for a broader agreement. Discussions with Canada aim to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by the end of 2026. Existing trade agreements with the UK and Australia are also under review for their implementation and effectiveness.
From Tibetan plateau to UFC: Su Mudaerji dreams of becoming China’s first men’s champion
Su Mudaerji, nicknamed the Tibetan Eagle, is the first Tibetan fighter in the UFC. He recently achieved a significant victory in front of a large crowd in Shanghai. His success has inspired many young people in Tibetan communities to pursue mixed martial arts. UFC's growing popularity in China has led to increased attention for fighters like Sumu. He aspires to win a championship title in the near future.
Humla's Hilsa border: 41 Nepalis stranded as heavy snowfall blocks route
Key Takeways: Nepali residents remain unable to travel beyond Hilsa About 2 to 2.5 feet of snow has accumulated in the area Travel is expected to resume from Oct. 4 Snow has...
Goa: CEO says 88 of 97 left-out voters have filed Form 6, applications accepted
Goa's Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that most excluded voters have applied for inclusion in the electoral roll. Of the 97 excluded, 88 have filed Form 6, while three are Portuguese passport holders. Six others currently reside outside India and are being contacted by officials. A special drive will be launched to enroll left-out eligible and first-time voters in Goa.
Goa: CEO says 88 of 97 left-out voters have filed Form 6, applications accepted
Goa's Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that most excluded voters have applied for inclusion in the electoral roll. Of the 97 excluded, 88 have filed Form 6, while three are Portuguese passport holders. Six others currently reside outside India and are being contacted by officials. A special drive will be launched to enroll left-out eligible and first-time voters in Goa.
Bajura flood, landslide victims receive Rs 2.26 million in relief
Key Takeways: Affected households in Badimalika, Tribeni and Gaumul received relief Materials were provided under a western Nepal emergency response project Food, blankets, mat...
Asian Games: Nethra Kumanan wins bronze in women's dinghy to secure India's third sailing medal
Nethra Kumanan secured a bronze medal in the women's dinghy event at the Asian Games 2026. Indian sailors previously achieved multiple medals in both men's and women's skiff competitions. The Indian women's archery team also won gold against South Korea in the recurve team event. Various athletes progressed to semifinals in wrestling and cycling competitions during the games. Currently, India ranks sixth in the overall medal tally with 70 medals.