Shivinder Singh lied about becoming a full-time RSSB sevadar

Here's another twist in the oh-so-fascinating big-money drama involving the Singh brothers (Malvinder and Shivinder), the guru of Radha Soami Satsang Beas, and a host of supporting characters.

A Business Today story says, "Singh brothers case: Shivinder drew Rs. 9 crore salary during 'retirement'; misled SC about 'Sanyaas.'" (9 crore is about $1,300,000; SC refers to the Supreme Court of India)
Download Singh brothers case: Shivinder drew Rs 9 crore salary during 'retirement'; misled SC about 'Sanyaas'

Here's how the story starts out:

Singh brothers Malvinder and Shivinder are on the verge of being thrown behind bars on April 11 when the Supreme Court hears contempt proceedings against the two in the $500 million order given in favour of Japanese pharma maker Daiichi Sankyo.

In the run-up to the proceedings, Shivinder's affidavit before the Supreme Court claimed that he had been on a 22-month Sanyaas - a sabbatical devoted to serving at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas - starting January 1, 2016. Hence, the contempt proceedings should not be applied to him as he was not in control of the affairs of the group. "...Deponent is not and at all material times was not in control of the entities against whom any contempt is alleged," he said in his affidavit.

However, fresh evidence available with BusinessToday.In suggests that Shivinder had never dissociated from the group. Instead, he was not only keeping abreast of and directing crucial decisions in the group but was also drawing salary from two group companies.

Hopefully this drama will be made into an Bollywood movie, because the plot lines are so complex and deliciously scandalous. I've hugely enjoyed following the saga for quite a few years. 

In February 2016 I wrote a blog post, "Billionaire Shivinder Singh plans to volunteer for Indian guru." At that time Shivinder reportedly planned to be a full time sevadar/volunteer at the Beas headquarters of Radha Soami Satsang Beas, giving up his business responsibilities.

In July 2018 there was a rumor in the Indian financial press about Shivinder becoming the next RSSB guru, succeeding his uncle, Gurinder Singh Dhillon. I wrote about this in "Gurinder Singh's billionaire nephew rumored to succeed him as RSSB guru."

Then, in February 2019, Shivinder's brother, Malvinder Singh, filed a criminal complaint against Shivinder, Gurinder Singh Dhillon, and several others.

Part of the complaint alleged that Dhillon, the RSSB guru, was willing to pass on the leadership of Radha Soami Satsang Beas to Shivinder in return for Shivinder forgiving a massive amount of money that was fraudulently loaned to the Dhillon family.

When Malvinder refused to sign the family settlement, he says a death threat was made against him by Gurinder Singh Dhillon -- which sure doesn't seem like a "spiritual" thing for a guru to do.

So now the Business Today story says that Shivinder Singh, who wanted to succeed Dhillon as RSSB guru, lied about giving up his business responsibilities to devote himself to volunteer work at the Dera.

However, documents in possession of BusinessToday.In suggest that in the period January 1, 2016 to September, 2017 when he said he was not involved with the affairs of the group as he claimed to be in 'full time charitable service', he was in fact drawing a salary from group firms ANR Securities & Ranchem.

Shivinder's Form 16 submitted to the Income Tax Department suggests that he drew a gross salary of Rs 21.75 lakh per month each from the two subsidiaries of RHC Holding - the group holding firm. Together, the two firms paid him Rs 9.12 crore in the period January, 2016 - September, 2017 as gross salary and Rs 5.9 crore as net post-tax salary during the period of 'retirement'.

Besides, multiple documents suggest that, far from retirement, Shivinder was deeply involved in the group's affairs, directing deals, advising board meetings and schedules and often intervening in discussions, even leading them at times.

It's an unholy mess, for sure.

Likely the Supreme Court isn't going to look kindly on Shivinder making false statements to the court -- especially since Shivinder tried to use his supposed stint as a full-time RSSB volunteer to get out of a contempt decree issued by the court.

It's interesting that someone appears to have leaked documents to Business Today regarding Shivinder's ongoing business involvements while he supposedly was on a spiritual sabbatical. It could well be that more leaking/whistle-blowing is going to occur.

People in the know could have various motivations for doing this.

Such as: not approving of what the Singh brothers, the RSSB guru, and others have been doing; wanting to cooperate with authorities to avoid being implicated in the wrongdoing; revenge for having been treated badly by Malvinder, Shivinder, and others involved with this scandal.

It's virtually certain that more twists and turns are going to occur in this drama. Hopefully justice will win out in the end.

Comments

[Sonya]

Wow. The drama never ends. It’s amazing how easily we can find information about Shivinder’s tax returns yet zero on Trump.

I can’t help but be reminded of a song by Joan Osborne that at the time it came out I thought was so edgy and daring. Yet now it seems so innocent.

‘What if God Were One of Us’

https://youtu.be/7Gx1Pv02w3Q

[Sonya]

Everything else aside, I can say for certain that my faith in the Dhillons will be permanently shattered if they allow Malvinder and Shivinder to take the fall for it all. If I have only one good trait, it’s that I’m very protective. I can’t understand how family members could allow something like this to progress to such a degree that it destroys others in the family.

[s*]

Yes I feel the same Sonya..
It can't be possble that they let it happen like this??
I feel soo soo sorry for Nimmi ,their mom also..
Also..
Jeezzzz..
Why not be honest about all the faults they have made..??
Why do we not hear anything about all the others??

[Appreciative Reader]

Wow. The spiral shows no sign of unspiralling! Things seem to be speeding up, faster and faster, towards the denouement.

Tragic, really, as far as the thousands, millions, of followers.

Of course, one way to look at what is happening, from the perspective of the followers, is as deliverance. Perhaps what might have been really tragic is all of this never unravelling, and the delusional faith continuing on undisturbed.

Unless, that is, some twist in the tale jumps out even at this late hour. Extremely unlikely, in my (only cursorily informed) opinion ... but who knows?

[Arjuna]

@ s. hello.

Sister I wouldn’t feel sorry for anyone - they wouldn’t feel sorry for you.

It’s all a loss making game until it goes wrong.

Both are embarrassing people - the two singhs. Power knows no rules.

I have dealt with people like that all my life - and in the end they still don’t learn. Those who do - become something else entirely.

All the best

[In Search Of]

Well, the only person in the middle of all of this, besides GSD, we haven't heard a peep from, is Sunil Godhwani. Godhwani is GSD's right hand man. I'm sure he's got dirt on everyone and intimate details on the communications from everyone. He could be cutting a deal behind the scenes to nail the two brothers while getting a slap on the wrist for himself, maybe even GSD.

Interesting turn of events and yes, I think the Circus has just started. If and when one or both of the brothers is sentenced, that's when the scrutiny will turn to others. I think Malvinder will squeal like a pig when he's turned over. He'll want to take others down with him.

[Jesse]

"Tragic, really, as far as the thousands, millions, of followers."

Tragic more so for honest businessmen, shareholders, and entire countries who are getting screwed by these idiots. Forget the godman worshipers. Those junkies can join Osho Robbins in finding the buddha mind in Charles Manson or whatever they need to do to maintain their savior but not savior addiction. The honest people trying to feed their families and make investments in their future and their country are the victims.

[In Search Of]

Appreciative Reader you said, "Unless, that is, some twist in the tale jumps out even at this late hour. Extremely unlikely, in my (only cursorily informed) opinion ... but who knows?"

It's not late hour, it's early days in the telling of the story. I have a feeling the events in the next 2-3 weeks will reveal a tale of some disturbing insights into the inner workings of the Malvinder, Shivinder, Godhwani and GSD inner circle.

It's only the beginning of what I can only hope is the truth to start emerging.
That's my opinion anyway.

[Juan]

Fresh news related to Singh Brothers in The Economic Times.

[Spence Tepper]

"The money transferred to Dhillon and associates - estimated to be between Rs 4,000-6,000 crore, with interest, depending on who you ask - remains unpaid to the Singhs. The rapid and reckless expansion spree that REL and Fortis embark on lands them in a debt trap when the slowdown hits in 2009. That's the beginning of a vicious cycle of mortgaging assets and equity in group companies to raise loans to pay off their previous liabilities."

From the same article

https://m.businesstoday.in/lite/story/how-singh-brothers-got-into-trouble---bit-by-bit/1/336248.html

[Sonya]

An excellent article from BusinessToday-India that details the entire timeline with the least amount of bias: (lots of bias in Beas)

https://m.businesstoday.in/lite/story/how-singh-brothers-got-into-trouble---bit-by-bit/1/336248.html

And here was another article outlining how the family could remedy the situation:
https://m.businesstoday.in/story/sc-take-note-singh-brothers-can-pay-off-usd-500-million-to-daiichi-provided-the-money-is-recovered/1/326995.html

I think at this point “god” needs to get busy moving heaven and earth to make sure these guys don’t spend the rest of their lives behind bars. After all, it was their GIHF who stood right beside them every step of the way. Just do the right thing (for God’s sake)...

[La Madrugada]

Today in Bussiness Today:

Singh brothers get a breather from top court

[Dungeness]

I think at this point “god” needs to get busy moving heaven and earth to make sure these guys don’t spend the rest of their lives behind bars. After all, it was their GIHF who stood right beside them every step of the way. Just do the right thing (for God’s sake)...

Unfortunately, it's not as simple as laying it all on "god". There was a whole clutch
of family members including GSD, Shabnam, their sons, and others if I recall
correctly. Godhwani figures prominently too as well the Singhs. Charges and
counter charges are flying. There are criminal and civil trials imminent.

So, while it's convenient to point fingers at GSD, it's not definitive legally, nor
ethically for that matter, to do so. Not without legal discovery, forensic
accounting audits, and testimony under oath. With a scenario this fraught,
it's wise to let the courts weigh in and deliberate before there's a rush to
judgment.

Not to worry. GSD and his family will be firmly in the crosshairs for repayment
if found guilty. There will be liens on their assets too. The whole kit 'n kaboodle.
So fret not that potential "perps" will slither away with a "get outta jail free"
card.

What is unconscionable though is the clamor by some blog armchair lawyers
to demand that GSD needs to confess now to "misdeeds" he's sure to have
committed.

"How do you know?", someone may ask? "Well", they answer, "Cuz, he's a
greedy fraudster and everybody knows it. Look at the news reports. He should
be on his knees asking for forgiveness. His real disciples will gather round Him in
support, have a good cry, hold a few yard sales to raise funds, and march
forward hand-in-hand singing 'Nearer my God to Thee' ".

No, don't bother pretty little heads with scandalous going-on's. Let court pro's
unravel this unholy mess. Forget conspiracy theories about the Indian courts not
doing their jobs too. They're far better than the lot of us in Blogville in any case.
They'lll examine evidence fairly in a careful, measured, dispassionate way.
Rather unlike what happens on blogs, I'd say.

After all, the Court has a divine mission too... just like those on blog soapboxes.

[Spence Tepper]

All that needs to be done is to confirm the following. Follow the money and you will have the source of responsibility...

'"The money transferred to Dhillon and associates - estimated to be between Rs 4,000-6,000 crore, with interest, depending on who you ask - remains unpaid to the Singhs. The rapid and reckless expansion spree that REL and Fortis embark on lands them in a debt trap when the slowdown hits in 2009. That's the beginning of a vicious cycle of mortgaging assets and equity in group companies to raise loans to pay off their previous liabilities."

From the same article

https://m.businesstoday.in/lite/story/how-singh-brothers-got-into-trouble---bit-by-bit/1/336248.html

So long as these debts remain unpaid, the Singh Brothers will be unable to comply with the court.

When you take loans, you need to pay that debt at some point.

[Dungeness]

So long as these debts remain unpaid, the Singh Brothers will be unable to comply with the court.

When you take loans, you need to pay that debt at some point.

Dear Spence,

I pray it'll happen quickly for those wronged.

P.S. Please forgive my attempt at being flip with all this.

[Sonya]

At this point I’m way past pointing figures. I’m taking a different stance here. I honestly don’t care who did what. I only care that everyone involved does everything they can to remedy the situation. I don’t enjoy seeing anyone suffer.

This simply requires an All-hands creative best solution to a FUBAR situation.

[jay]

I again agree with Dungeness' view on the absolute necessity of legal discovery before the guilt of Gurinder is confirmed. However, I also agree with the Gurinder critics that Gurinder's status as Guru of RSSB is possibly a huge factor to this scandal, and it's a factor that might completely escape legal inquiry. I don't trust either of the Singh brothers, but I feel they may well have felt compelled to enter into business deals with The Family of the Guru that they would never have done with anyone else.

Does being RSSB guru lead to generous business arrangements? Yes, always. Let's put it this way: If Sawan Singh were alive today, how much land would he own, and how much would he be worth? Sawan somehow went from a retired engineer on a pension to owning vast tracts of land and property. And how much land does RSSB own today, and who owns it...and how did they get it? Even the most generous answer to that question points to the status of the guru -- his followers fall over themselves to provide for him.

Then there's Rajinder Singh, who lives like a multi-millionaire and yet hasn't had a job for 30 years. Another retired engineer guru who magically amassed crores of coin. But it's not magic, as the money comes from generous satsangis.

The influence of the Godman in business deals is very hard to quantify, and not likely to be found in any legal documents. But we shouldn't kid ourselves that it's very real.

[Sonya]

If I’ve learned anything from this it’s that real estate is not Gurinder’s strong suit. That said, a sale of all real estate and assets required to fulfill the Daiichi Sanyo settlement would be much appreciated by all involved. Cut your losses and move on...

[Sonya]

All of my corporate clients offer tech solutions. With every client of theirs we focus on two things; what are your problems—your pain points and what solutions we can offer. At one point I realized my personal life would fare much better if I applied the same approach—identify the problem and then focus on a solution... resolution, compromise, a fix of some sort. Life is less bleak, more colorful when we focus on solutions. I’m not trying to be preachy... just saying that a large part of finding meaning in a meaningless world is the search for solutions. Not delusions but practical solutions. Humans make mistakes. We screw up. Sometimes we royally f*k things up but there’s no need to beat ourselves up over our mistakes for the rest of our lives. Just look for a creative solution. Creativity is the fun part. There’s an answer to every problem. Maybe you won’t find the answer you want or the answer you’re looking for but there’s always a way to make things a little more comfortable. Sometimes it’s just changing your mindset or attitude.

Regardless, we can’t even begin to find solutions if we can’t identify the problem. But once the problem is identified, find some way to make it right... or make yourself feel better. It depends on the problem. You can’t count on changing others but you can try to influence them. You can offer words of encouragement. And if they refuse to listen you can put them in a choke hold (just kidding). Right now, here in America things feel really bleak. Every time I turn on the news there’s a part of me that almost feels like crying. But it isn’t going to help me or anyone else if I succumb to hopelessness. So we just keep going... one day at a time... one step at a time.

With regards to the Singhs, each day must feel like a GIANT uphill battle. Under those kinds of circumstances it’s often hard to find a reason to keep going. Suicide rates in the US are now growing faster among the 45-54 age group and I completely understand why. I’m not depressed by any means these days but that’s only because I’ve finally realized that simply trying to be a better person and actually putting forth the effort is good enough. It’s good enough for me. At the end of the day we can turn off the news and take a look at ourselves. If we’ve done one thing to improve our lives or the lives of those around us, that’s good enough. It really is.

These guys need to pay the amount awarded to Daiichi Sankyo. They need for their extended family who benefited from their wealth to pay their fair share as well. It seems so simple really. Yet it has been dragging in and out of the press and the courts for years now. To what benefit? At first it seemed they were delaying paying the Daiichi Sankyo award because they were hoping to somehow get out of it. The irony is that if they had pooled together all their resources from the beginning and honored the court order instead of fighting it they would ALL be much better off right now AND wealthier than they are now. I guess it all goes back to pay what you owe—Honest Living 101.

[Spence Tepper]

What if this form of criminality is so inbred that the participants have no idea that stealing is wrong. Or that it is wrong for them?

What if it is as Osho wrote, that they believe ethics are only polite words used but all that matters is not getting caught?

What if the family tradition is to use these words only to create a docile and obedient source of revenue? Like a sales pitch?

What if the self - delusion is so great that they even believe this is doing God's will? And their family tradition is the art of swindling others about the "perfect" Guru?

It would explain everything.

Then nothing has changed at all. Evangelical swindling Indian style was always the family business?

[Jesse]

Sonya, depending on the problem a solution sometimes means zooming out a bit. In this case recovering a substantial amount of cash might be impossible if the family has already blown it all on luxury lifestyle items which wouldn't surprise me at all.

If making a solution to that immediate problem is impossible then it becomes wise to consider making an example of every one of the people who scammed and cheated money out of shareholders in multiple countries and possibly started a process that could irreparably stop national development in its tracks.

Instead of this weird worrying about the emotions of criminals and solving the petty issues of recovering money already spent, serious people in government should consider life imprisonment of all involved since we now consider the death penalty to be "immoral."

I think many corporate criminals deserve death, personally. Just last summer I was on a boat tour looking at multimillion dollar homes, and at least one was owned by a man who had destroyed many lives with his cheating. He'll hang out in a nice jail for a few years and be released back into immense wealth. Same will happen with these thugs if they're not taken down about 20 notches with brutal force.

[Spence Tepper]

If Shivinder, even now, at the Dera, is still siphoning funds against an order from the Supreme Court of India, over 1 million U. S., it may well be under the guidance and with the approval of Baba Ji.

Shivinder had placed himself at the mercy and under the command of Baba Ji.

What sort of addiction would warrant violating an order of the Supreme Court. That takes a lot of nerve. The kind we've seen from Gurinder and Malvinder, but not Shivinder.

This lends weight to the conjecture that Baba Ji was behind the whole misadventure in realty speculation right from the beginning, when he asked Sunhil to move Dera funds into Religare, and began his international property development spree.