Voting will be held for the assembly elections in Haryana on October 5. Meanwhile, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is serving a 20-year jail sentence for raping two of his disciples, has sought parole for 20 days. Earlier, he was released on 21 days leave on 13th August. He is currently serving his sentence in Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail on 2nd September. Ram Rahim has been accused of trying to influence people to vote a particular way in elections.
Let us tell you that after being sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2017, the Dera chief has come out of jail on parole or leave 10 times. During this period, he has spent 255 days i.e. more than eight months out of jail. The timing of many of his paroles and leaves coincides with elections in Haryana and neighboring states.
An official associated with this case has said that Ram Rahim’s parole application has been sent to the Election Commission. According to the Election Commission’s message sent to states in April 2019, parole should be granted in extremely emergency cases and it should be ensured that the convict does not indulge in any election-related activity.
Political experts say that the Dera chief remains relevant in the election season given his ability to follow the orders of the controversial head of the Sirsa-based sect. Political scientist Professor Ashutosh Kumar of Panjab University, Chandigarh, said politicians of different ideologies are known to seek his blessings during elections.
The Dera spokesperson said that since Ram Rahim is entitled to temporary release of 91 days in a calendar year, his request for 20 days parole is in accordance with the law. “He has taken 50 days parole and 21 days furlough. So he is entitled for 20 days parole in the calendar year. Since the year is about to end, he will have to take 20 days parole, otherwise it will end,” the spokesperson said. It will be done.”
