Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, may soon secure parole before the Assembly elections set for October 5. Currently serving a 20-year sentence for raping two of his disciples, Singh’s potential release would mark his 11th instance of parole or furlough in the last four years.
Singh has requested a 20-day parole, citing the death anniversary of his father, Maghar Singh, on October 5, observed as Parmarthi Diwas. However, the state government will ultimately make the final decision regarding his release.
The Election Commission has approved Singh’s parole petition with specific conditions. First, he cannot enter Haryana during this period. Second, he is prohibited from engaging in any political activities. Lastly, he must refrain from participating in election-related activities, including on social media.
Following the Election Commission’s approval, the state Home Department has forwarded Singh’s request to caretaker Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for final approval. If granted, Singh will face strict conditions that, if violated, could lead to a revocation of his parole.
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Opposition to Singh’s potential parole has emerged from Anshul Chhatrapati, the son of slain journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati. Singh is serving a life sentence for Chhatrapati’s murder, and Anshul has raised alarms over the timing of Singh’s releases. He noted that Singh has been released shortly before elections on six out of ten previous occasions, suggesting a troubling pattern of political influence.
“For instance, he received 21 days of furlough in February 2022 before the Punjab Assembly elections and 30 days of parole in June 2022 before the Haryana municipal corporation elections,” Chhatrapati pointed out.
Interestingly, Singh returned to prison on September 2 after a 21-day furlough that began on August 13. He currently resides in the high-security Sunaria jail in Rohtak, approximately 250 kilometers from Chandigarh.
Singh’s conviction in August 2017 ignited violence in Panchkula and Sirsa, resulting in 41 deaths and over 260 injuries. Furthermore, a special CBI court sentenced him to life imprisonment in 2019 for the murder of Chhatrapati.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are keenly awaiting the state government’s decision on Singh’s parole, particularly given its implications for the upcoming elections.
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