New Delhi (CNN) A controversial Indian spiritual guru has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2002 murder of a journalist who helped expose the sexual abuse of women within his sect.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, head of the spiritual organization Dera Sacha Sauda, received the sentence on Thursday through a video link in prison, where he is serving 20 years for the rape of two female followers

Self-styled "godman" Singh, along with aides Kuldeep Singh, Nirmal Singh and Krishan Lal, was convicted on murder charges and criminal conspiracy by a court in Panchkula in northern Haryana state on Friday last week.

Despite his earlier conviction, Singh remains an influential figure in India where he commands a loyal and devoted following. Known as the "guru of bling" on account of his previously flamboyant lifestyle, Singh starred in five films and numerous popular music videos, including the "Messenger of God," in which he acts as the hero who saves the nation.

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His Dera Sacha Sauda, the website of which still features Singh prominently, describes itself as a "selfless socio-spiritual organization" and has ashrams across 10 states and union territories in India and claims to have millions of followers worldwide.

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