Asserting that all allegations against the Dera chief were politically motivated, Dera spokesperson Dr Aditya Insaan, who was here in Chandigarh, said the probe would clear the air on the matter.

The Dera spokesperson said Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh had never tried to imitate Guru Gobind Singh. He pointed out that historical facts prove the Sikh Guru did not wear such robes while administering amrit. “People have to make a choice between their fundamental values and fundamentalism,” he said.

Referring to the allegations about abuse of women followers at the Dera, he asserted that none of the sadhvis had left the Dera since the allegations came out. He claimed that most of the sadhvis were highly educated and belonged to respectable families.

Asked about the possibility of another apology to put the matter to rest, Dr Insaan said the Dera has apologised at least thrice, only to be disregarded by the Sikh clergy. Ruling out the possibility of another apology, he said: “It would not serve any purpose.” He said: “Our Guru was abused, attacked, his effigies burnt. But there’ve been no voices seeking an apology for hurting our feelings.”

Dr Insaan accused the SAD Government of giving a political dimension to the raging controversy against the Dera, something which has been vehemently denied by the Government on more than one occasion. “We have been restricted in our naam charcha events. Our fundamental right to propagate our ideology is being blunted,” he alleged. The Dera spokesperson also rubbished the popular perception that the Dera supported the Congress in the Assembly elections.

Even though the CBI, which is investigating charges of murder and molestation against the Dera chief, is tightening the noose around him, the Dera spokesperson maintained that the process has not dented the Dera’s credibility. “Truth will triumph,” he said.

The Dera now plans to project its women followers in the forefront with its side of the story. The move is being seen as an attempt to salvage some of the Dera’s lost prestige owing to a slew of allegations, including those of molestation.

No human bombs

CHANDIGARH: Reacting to the reported “information” with the Punjab Police that the Dera was preparing five human bombs, Dr Aditiya Insaan said this was another attempt to defame the sect. He said the Dera was peace-loving. “We appeal for good sense and shall continue to oppose any such blatant falsehood that suits only the political axe of the incumbent Punjab Government,” he said. However, Punjab DGP N P S Aulakh said they have passed on the “information” to all police stations asking them to be alert.