Sikh preacher Dhandrianwale booked for rape and murder

The petitioner had alleged that his sister’s postmortem revealed poisoning, but no action was taken by the police at the time.

On December 7, 2024, an FIR was registered against Dhandrianwale at Passiana police station. (Facebook/ @Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji Dhadrianwale))

The Punjab Police has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that an FIR has been registered against Sikh preacher Ranjit Singh Dhandrianwale in connection with a 12-year-old rape and murder case in Patiala.

The FIR, lodged under Sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape), and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, pertains to the death of a woman found unconscious outside Gurudwara Parmeshwar Dwar, Sheikhpura, in 2012. The case was registered at Passiana police station based on a complaint by the victim’s brother.

The information was shared through an affidavit filed by Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav before a bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu. The petitioner had alleged that his sister’s postmortem revealed poisoning, but no action was taken by the police at the time. He also claimed to have received threats from the accused’s followers after raising the issue.

According to the DGP’s affidavit, the victim was initially found unconscious on April 22, 2012, and later died at Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. Statements recorded at the time, including those of her mother, indicated no suspicion of foul play. A postmortem revealed death due to poisoning by aluminium phosphide insecticide. The victim’s family later testified before an Executive Magistrate that they did not suspect anyone in her death.

The affidavit noted that from June to November 2012, the victim’s sister submitted four complaints alleging Dhandrianwale’s involvement, but police inquiries recommended closing the matter. These records were destroyed in 2020 as part of routine office procedures.

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The case resurfaced when the petitioner alleged that he was threatened in September 2023 by individuals warning him against pursuing justice. On December 7, 2024, an FIR was registered against Dhandrianwale at Passiana police station.

The High Court, while hearing the petition, had previously asked the DGP to explain what action was taken against police officers who handled the case in 2012. The affidavit stated that show cause notices were issued to then-DSP Samana Sewa Singh Mahi (now retired) and then-SHO Passiana Ashok Kumar (now SP) on December 7, 2024.

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Dhandrianwale’s counsel GS Ghuman said, “The allegations are baseless, it’s a fictitious story made by the petitioner, who himself has signed an affidavit in 2012 denying any foul play in the death of his sister. The victim’s postmortem report never mentioned rape, or any injury. Baba Ranjit Singh has complete trust in the judiciary and he will cooperate in the investigation.”

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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