A local court formally charged Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on Friday in connection with forced castration of some of his followers.
He was charged with punishment for cheating, voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means and punishment for cheating.
Two doctors believed to be closely involved with the castration process were charged with criminal conspiracy as well as grievous hurt.
On December 23, 2014, the Punjab and Haryana High Court asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe allegations of forced castration in the cult.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Hansraj Chauhan, a former follower of the cult who claims he was castrated at the orders of the Dera chief.
