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Ram Rahim castration case: US-based witness seeks time for testimony citing eye treatment, court gives him one month to confirm fitness

The witness in the Ram Rahim castration case cited a retinal condition that prevents him from using video conferencing equipment for long period

4 min readPanchkulaJan 14, 2026 02:31 PM IST

According to the prosecution, Ram Rahim allegedly collaborated with Dr. Pankaj Garg and Dr. M P Singh to orchestrate the castration of around 400 followers, claiming that it would bring them "closer to God". (File Photo)

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Panchkula last week granted the complainant-prime witness in the castration case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh one month to inform the court about his fitness through his counsel.

The complainant, who is based in the United States, requested a deferment of the cross-examination last month. In his plea, he stated that he is undergoing treatment for retinal vein occlusion and has been advised by his doctors to avoid looking at a camera lens for extended periods. This will make it difficult for him to participate in cross-examination via video conferencing (VC), he said.

The next date for recording his evidence will be fixed in the last week of February, the court noted in the order dated January 7, made public Tuesday. Earlier, the court had fixed January 8 and 9 for the cross-examination.

The CBI registered the castration case in New Delhi on January 7, 2015, against Ram Rahim, Dr Pankaj Garg, and Dr M P Singh. According to the prosecution, Ram Rahim allegedly collaborated with these doctors to orchestrate the castration of around 400 followers, claiming that it would bring them “closer to God”.

In August 2025, the court of a special judicial magistrate allowed the complainant’s application seeking permission to be cross-examined through VC from the US, citing security concerns.

The CBI corresponded with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy/Consulate General of India to facilitate the recording of evidence via VC, and received a positive response from the office of the Consulate General of India, New York. Accordingly, the court, in its order dated December 19, fixed two dates for the recording of the witness’s cross-examination on January 8 and January 9 .

Court turns down request for counsel in VC room

In his application requesting a postponement of the cross-examination, the witness stated that Ram Rahim is an influential individual with connections to politicians. Due to his high profile, the witness requested to have his counsel during the recording of his evidence in the VC room to help instil confidence in him.

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The CBI did not object to the witness’s application. However, the counsel for the accused opposed the request, submitting that there is no provision for a lawyer to be present at a remote location in the VC room when evidence is recorded via VC.

The court of Judicial Magistrate First Class Anil Kumar Yadav, on hearing the contentions, held, “The presence of counsel at remote point is not permitted because when the witness is present at the remote point before the screen and public prosecutor for the CBI and his own counsel are physically present in the court and therefore, there is no need for physical presence of his counsel in VC room at the remote point. However, the counsel of the complainant is at liberty to consult his client/witness outside the remote point before the recording of evidence starts.”

The court, however, said that in view of the apprehension expressed by counsel for the witness, one advocate representing the witness is at liberty to accompany him to the Indian Embassy/office of the Consulate General of India, New York, on the day of recording of his evidence. But his entry into the VC room is not allowed in view of the relevant rules framed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, said the court.

On the other request of witness, the court said, “…instead of fixing the next date for recording of his (PW1) evidence, at this stage, when his treatment is still going on, one month time is given to the witness to convey his fitness to this court through his counsel so that next date/dates can be fixed for recording of his evidence in last week of February 2026 after consultation with officials of Consulate General of India, New York and if he is found in fit condition to get his testimony recorded, only then the next dates would be fixed for recording of his evidence…”

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu is a Senior Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. He is a veteran reporter with over a decade of experience, specializing in legal, crime, and environmental reporting across the tri-city area (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). Professional Background Core Beat: He primarily covers the Punjab and Haryana High Court, District Courts, CBI Courts, and Consumer Commissions. His legal reporting is known for breaking down complex judgments and tracking long-standing criminal cases. Environmental Reporting: Jagpreet has become a key voice in reporting on the deteriorating air quality and weather patterns in the Punjab-Haryana region. Crime & Technology: He frequently reports on cybercrime, digital arrest scams, and the intersection of technology and law enforcement, such as the development of citizen-centric policing apps. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His late 2025 coverage has focused on significant judicial verdicts, major financial scams, and public health concerns: 1. Legal & CBI Court Verdicts "12 years on, CBI court acquits Haryana judge, parents in wife’s death case" (Dec 17, 2025): Detailed coverage of the acquittal of a judicial officer in a high-profile dowry death case from 2013. "‘Wicked & evil mind’: Court gives man 30-year term for kidnapping, sexually assaulting 8-year-old" (Dec 16, 2025): A report on a stern judgment from a Chandigarh district court in a POCSO case. "Man acquitted in rape case after victim found ‘very happy’ in wedding reception" (Dec 9, 2025): Covering a unique legal observation regarding consensual relationships and age verification. 2. Investigative & Scams "CBI registers FIR in Rs 1.14-cr Patient Welfare Grant scam at PGIMER" (Dec 19, 2025): An exposé on how funds meant for poor patients were siphoned off through forged documents and a photocopy shop inside the PGIMER campus. "Month-long torture, Rs 85 lakh transfers: How ‘Innocence Certificate’ led to a ‘digital arrest’ of an elderly couple" (Dec 12, 2025): Detailing a sophisticated cyber fraud targeting senior citizens in Chandigarh. 3. Environment & Public Safety "Panchkula air turns ‘very poor’, fourth worst in country" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on the sudden spike in pollution levels in Panchkula compared to neighbouring cities. "Soon, you can snap that overspeeding car, and report to Chandigarh Police" (Dec 16, 2025): Breaking news on a new mobile application being developed to allow citizens to report traffic violations via geo-tagged photos. 4. Gangster Culture & Crime "City Beautiful in the crosshairs of gangsters" (Dec 14, 2025): A feature analysis of how Chandigarh has increasingly become a staging ground for extortion and rivalries between gangster modules. "Shooters wanted for Parry murder held by Delhi Police Special Cell" (Dec 18, 2025): Following the developments in a high-profile murder case in Chandigarh’s Sector 26. Signature Style Jagpreet is recognized for his tenacious follow-up on cold cases and his ability to report on courtroom drama with a focus on victim rights. His work often highlights administrative lapses, whether in the handling of patient welfare funds or the enforcement of environmental standards. ... Read More

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