Ram Rahim Jailed for 20 Years: Who Will Be the Next Dera Head?

Names of two women followers are being circulated for the post of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief.

Vipasana Insan and Honeypreet Insan.

(Photo: The Quint)

Over the last few days, there has been chaos at the Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) headquarters in Haryana’s Sirsa. The sect’s head, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, was convicted in a rape case on 25 August and and the sentence against him will be pronounced on Monday afternoon by a special CBI judge in Rohtak's Sunaria jail.

38 people have lost their lives so far in the violence and arson that followed the godman’s conviction.

The question now being raised is: Who will lead the well-established spiritual centre?

It is believed that there are two main contenders for the throne: Guru Brahmachari Vipasana and Honeypreet Insan, who also goes by the title of ‘Guru Brahmachari’.

Also Read: What Happens Next to Gurmeet Ram Rahim & the Dera Sacha Sauda?

The Dera was established in 1948 by Mastana Balochistani. It is involved in various political and welfare activities. In 1990, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh took over as the third head.

Option One: Guru Brahmachari Vipasana

The person most likely to inherit the DSS leadership is Guru Brahmachari Vipasana Insan, a 35-year-old woman who graduated from the Shah Satnam Ji Girls College, operated by the DSS.

She comes second in the hierarchy of the DSS. Her Twitter account describes her as the chairperson of the Dera.

She has been involved in various welfare activities of the DSS such as health camps, food and clothes distribution for the needy, and blood donation camps for army personnel.

She also heads a group of 250 Dera members, among which there are 150 women.

Vipasana Insan handing a certificate to a Dera member.

Option Two: The Leading Lady, Honeypreet Insan

Actor, director, editor, philanthropist, and “a great daughter of an amazing father” – the website of Honeypreet Insan, also 35 years old, describes the various roles she plays.

Her Facebook and Twitter handles refer to her as "PAPA's ANGEL" and as one who is "passionate to transform my Rockstar Papa's directions into actions!"

She is not the biological daughter of Gurmeet Ram Rahim, but has been a loyal supporter and confidante of the imprisoned guru. She has acted in all of Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s films.

She was also seen in his company while he was being taken to prison.

Honeypreet Insan.

Her social media profiles are full of praises for her father.

Also Read: Who is Gurmeet Ram Rahim - Rockstar, Godman and Now Rape Convict?

Family Barred from Inheriting the Leadership Because of Dera’s Rules

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is the father of three children: son Jasmeet Insan, and daughters Charanpreet Insan and Amanpreet Insan.

According to the rules listed by the Dera authorities, a family member of a Dera head cannot become the leader of the clan after him.

There are speculations that Ram Rahim may be able to manage the affairs of the organisation from jail, until the name of the next head is decided upon.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim with his family.

Also Read: A History of Trouble: Cases on Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh

(With inputs from Hindustan Times)

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