The self-styled Baba Ram Rahim is perhaps one of the most controversial figures to have emerged out of North-western India. He established Dera Sacha Sauda as a prominent religious and social organization and drew in tens of thousands of followers from across the region. The name ‘Sacha Sauda,’ which lent it some credibility among Sikh masses, is derived from a famous ‘sakhi’ involving Guru Nanak. This, perhaps, is the first point of annoyance among devout Sikhs as he indirectly claimed to be associated with Sikhism. Over the last two decades, troubling claims emerged about Ram Rahim with charges ranging from rape to murder to castration of his followers. His first major run in with Sikh organizations came in 2007 when in an advertisement, he dressed in a way as to resemble the 10th Sikh Guru- Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Within Sikh community, this was taken as an insult of the highest degree as any form of impersonation of Gurus is strictly prohibited. He also claims to be the “messenger of God”, another thing that goes against Sikh teachings where Sikhs are allowed to follow the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib. He later apologized for the impersonation but it was deemed as inadequate by Akal Takht, the highest Sikh authority. As Ram Rahim’s profile grew in some segments of Sikh community, there also grew a sense of urgency among some to arrest his rise because they not only believed his actions to be blasphemous, but they saw him as a predator preying on the insecurities of innocuous masses. He is known to peddle superstitions and promoted blind faith to some extent. Some radical elements, such as pro-Khalistani elements, within Sikh community also got involved in the controversy by actively threatening his life. He was briefly granted a security cover by the government. Akal Takht later accepted his apology and issued him an official pardon but the public anger against him failed to die down. Following severe backlash, the pardon was revoked. In 2019, he was convicted of killing a journalist in 2002 who reported on rape charges Ram Rahim was facing. But despite the conviction and all the other allegations, he continues to enjoy a significant support in Haryana and some regions of Punjab. He has been repeatedly given paroles and Sikh community has accused him of misusing the parole system to his own benefit. Recently, he held an online ‘satsang’ and thousands of his followers went to Salabatpura dera to hear him speak. Many Sikh organisations protested against it. All in all, the case and controversy of Ram Rahim is a curious one. His murder conviction failed to dissuade his ardent followers who still place their trust in him. This really sheds a light on how misinformation in the age of social media can raise the profile of some and how people continue to hold onto their faith despite proofs to the contrary. Given this, his turbulent relationship with the Sikh community is expected to last long.