Who is guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh?

Known as "Rockstar Baba" or the "Guru of Bling," Ram Rahim earned his nicknames thanks to his ostentatious taste in shiny, colorful clothing and ornate jewelry. His style, however, is just one aspect of his celebrated persona. The self-styled "godman" has also produced and starred in a number of his own films. The precise source of his wealth, however, remains unknown.

Describing himself as a "philanthropist" and "social saint," Ram Rahim's sect has led a number of cleanliness and blood donation drives. In 2010, he also organized a mass marriage where more than 1,000 followers "volunteered" to marry former sex workers. It is this benevolence that draws his large number of supporters, many of whom admit they have become disillisioned with the government.

In recent years, Ram Rahim turned his attention to Bollywood by directing, producing and even starring in his own films. Titles such as "Messenger from God" and "The Warrior – Lionheart" naturally reflect his larger-than-life persona. The guru has also released a number of music albums, with his 2014 song "Love Charger" becoming a big hit.

The "Guru of Bling's" reputation took a massive dive in 2007, after he appeared in an advertisement dressed as Gobind Singh, a revered Sikh guru. The stunt prompted outrage in the Sikh community and led to massive demonstrations. Ram Rahim's Dera Sacha Sauda sect was forced to issue an apology, which the Akal Takht, the highest seat of Sikh representation, eventually accepted, albeit begrudgingly.

Besides upsetting religious groups, the sect leader has also found himself embroiled in a handful of criminal allegations. He once stood trial for conspiracy over the murder of a journalist in 2002 and in 2015 he was accused of encouraging 400 male followers to undergo castration. Ultimately, it was the accusations of rape dating back 2002 that ultimately led to his conviction in August 2017.