Hearing in two murder cases against Ram Rahim in Panchkula begins
The two cases are related to the murders of Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati and former Dera manager Ranjit Singh allegedly by Dera followers.
The hearing began in a court of special CBI judge Jagdeep Singh.
A Haryana court last month sentenced the self-styled religious leader to 20 years in prison for raping two of his women followers.
He was convicted of rape charges on Aug 25.
Following the conviction, his followers attacked journalists, policemen and destroyed public property and vehicles in Pachkula city on Haryana.
Violence was also reported from other parts of Haryana and north India.
At least 35 people died in the clashes.
A few days later, during the sentencing of the rapist, another six people lost their lives in a separate clash.
The incident triggered a massive controversy as both the State and the Central Government were criticised for their unprofessional behaviour.
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