'Jalebi Baba' who raped, filmed over 120 obscene videos of women & minors dies in jail

• Image Credit: Google

• May 10, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

Ram continued to make headlines, receiving medical treatment for his diabetes from Agroha’s Maharaja Agrasen Medical College...

Digital Desk: The demise of self-styled godman Baba Billu Ram, commonly known as "Jalebi Baba," marks the end of a controversial chapter in India's spiritual landscape. Ram, who rose to infamy for his alleged heinous crimes, including rape and exploitation of his disciples, passed away on Tuesday night due to a heart attack, according to his lawyer, Gajender Pandey.

Ram's sordid saga began when he was arrested in 2018 on charges of sexually exploiting his followers. Dubbed "Jalebi Baba" for his sideline selling jalebis on a pushcart in Fatehabad district, Haryana, his spiritual façade crumbled as allegations of rape and abuse surfaced. Despite securing bail initially, the law eventually caught up with him, leading to his conviction in January 2023, with a staggering 14-year jail sentence for raping three of his disciples, including a minor, and filming the abhorrent acts.

During his incarceration, Ram continued to make headlines, receiving medical treatment for his diabetes from Agroha’s Maharaja Agrasen Medical College. Despite his legal battles, his appeal against the verdict remained pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court at the time of his demise.

Ram's modus operandi, revealed through investigations, exposed a dark underbelly of exploitation and manipulation. Operating from a temple with a concealed cellar, he lured victims into his web of deceit, promising spiritual healing but inflicting irreparable harm instead. The recovery of incriminating evidence, including sedatives and video recordings, painted a chilling picture of his depravity.

Advocate Sanjay Verma, representing the victims, emphasized the severity of Ram's crimes, highlighting the conviction for raping three women, including a minor, based on compelling evidence. However, Ram's lawyer sought to cast doubt on the case's foundation, alleging it was built on shaky grounds.

Despite his demise, the scars left by "Jalebi Baba" run deep, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by self-styled godmen who exploit faith for personal gain. As the dust settles on his tumultuous legacy, questions linger about accountability, justice, and the enduring impact on his victims, underscoring the urgent need for greater scrutiny and regulation within India's spiritual landscape.