INDIA: Controversial guru to be sentenced for rape

Thousands of supporters of a convicted self-proclaimed guru have ended a standoff with soldiers in India, a day before his sentencing which many fear could result in further violence. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, 50, was on Friday found guilty of raping two of his followers in 2002, a verdict that sent thousands of angry protesters […]

Thousands of supporters of a convicted self-proclaimed guru have ended a standoff with soldiers in India, a day before his sentencing which many fear could result in further violence.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, 50, was on Friday found guilty of raping two of his followers in 2002, a verdict that sent thousands of angry protesters rioting against the ruling in the streets. At least 30 people were killed in the violence, more than 100 people were injured, and more than 500 were arrested.

Judges are expected to sentence Singh on Monday. He faces seven years to life in prison.

Singh’s group, Dera Sacha Sauda, has millions of followers.

The presence of nearly 10,000 people in the headquarters has raised fears they may turn violent again after their leader is sentenced.