Cult Leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim: The Dera Sacha Sauda Case

In this episode of Kollectively Vigilant, we examine Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the controversial leader of the religious movement Dera Sacha Sauda, which attracted millions of followers across northern India.

Behind the spectacle of massive gatherings, political influence, and self-produced films portraying him as a heroic figure, disturbing allegations began to surface. In 2017, Ram Rahim was convicted of S.A.-ing and R-wording two women who had come to the Dera seeking spiritual guidance, a verdict that triggered deadly riots across parts of Haryana and Punjab.

We trace the rise of the movement, the whistleblower letter that exposed the allegations, the murders linked to the case, and the legal battles that followed. Later, Dr. D and Sam explore the psychology of devotion, power, and loyalty inside high-pressure groups.

Hi, we are Sam, the psychologist, and Dr. D, the lawyer and professor. Here at Kollectively Vigilant, we learn the law through true crime. We have 40+ episodes in English and a Hindi podcast for listeners who want to explore more.

Episode ID: 1000755164870

GUID: 8039a656-992c-49f1-9cc5-d826b45afcea

Release Date: 14/03/2026, 01:44:00