Gurmeet Ram Rahim Files For Parole Ahead Of Haryana Assembly Elections

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, serving a 20-year sentence for raping two of his followers, has applied a 20-day parole. This request comes shortly before the Haryana assembly elections set for October 5. Previously, Singh was granted a 21-day furlough, returning to Sunaria Jail in Rohtak on September 2. His recurrent requests for temporary release have sparked controversy, with accusations of attempting to sway his significant follower base in Haryana's election outcomes. Since being convicted in 2017, Singh has been released from jail on parole or furlough ten times, totaling over eight months outside prison.

Notably, many of these releases have aligned with elections in Haryana and nearby regions. Singh's current parole application is under scrutiny by the election department, following guidelines from the Election Commission to justify "compelling emergent reasons" for his release, particularly ensuring he abstains from any election-related activities.

Prof Ashutosh Kumar, a political scientist from Panjab University, highlighted the Dera chief's influence during elections, with politicians often seeking his endorsement. The law entitles every convict to consideration for temporary release, a point emphasized by state officials who refute any suggestion of bias. In line with the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, Singh has already utilized 50 days of parole and 21 days of furlough this year, thereby justifying his eligibility for an additional 20-day parole.

A Dera spokesperson clarified the parole request aligns with legal entitlements, allowing 91 days of temporary release annually. The spokesperson also dismissed the notion of electoral motivations behind the parole application, suggesting approval might come post-elections. Despite their claims, Singh's interactions with political figures during previous releases have drawn criticism. For instance, in January 2023, BJP leaders were seen engaging with Singh during a virtual satsang while he was on a 40-day parole, which the opposition labeled a tactic to garner votes.