Just three days before the Haryana Assembly elections, the state government has granted Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, a 20-day parole. This marks his 11th release since his conviction in August 2017 for raping two disciples. Authorities released Ram Rahim from the high-security Sunaria jail in Rohtak, located approximately 250 kilometers from Chandigarh, and he has since traveled to his ashram in Bagpath, Uttar Pradesh.
Conditions of Parole
During this parole period, he is prohibited from entering Haryana and engaging in any election campaign activities. The timing of his release has drawn scrutiny from the opposition, with the Congress party filing a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, arguing that his release could unduly influence voters.
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Pattern of Pre-Election Releases
Ram Rahim had just returned to Sunaria jail on September 2 after a prior 21-day furlough granted on August 13. His recent release follows a pattern where he has received multiple paroles in the lead-up to significant elections. Notably, he received a 21-day furlough in February 2022 before the Punjab Assembly elections and a 30-day parole in June 2022 ahead of the Haryana municipal corporation elections.
Political Endorsement
Caretaker Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini approved Ram Rahim’s parole application after the Prisons Department processed it and forwarded it to the Divisional Commissioner of Rohtak. Ram Rahim’s request cited the death anniversary of his father, Maghar Singh, observed as Parmarthi Diwas on October 5, as the reason for the parole.
Election Commission’s Conditions
The ECI has imposed specific conditions on his release, mandating that he not enter Haryana, refrain from any political activities, and avoid engaging in election-related activities, including on social media. The Home Department’s endorsement of these conditions preceded the caretaker Chief Minister’s approval.
Objections Raised
Anshul Chhatrapati, son of slain journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, whose murder Ram Rahim is serving a life sentence for, has raised concerns about the parole. He highlighted that Ram Rahim has been released multiple times before elections, questioning the integrity of the decision-making process.
Historical Context
Ram Rahim, sentenced to 20 years for rape in 2017, was also convicted in 2019 for the murder of Chhatrapati, a case that has haunted the region for over 16 years. His initial conviction led to widespread violence in Panchkula and Sirsa, resulting in 41 deaths and over 260 injuries.
As the Assembly elections approach, the implications of Ram Rahim’s release continue to resonate, raising concerns about the intersection of politics and judicial decisions in Haryana.
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