New Delhi: Controversial Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been released from Sunaria jail in Rohtak on Wednesday, granted a 20-day parole by the Haryana government, just ahead of the state’s assembly elections.
Singh, who is serving a 20-year sentence for raping two of his disciples, was also convicted in 2019 for the murder of a journalist. While his parole application was approved by the jail authorities, it was forwarded to the Haryana Chief Electoral Officer due to the ongoing Model Code of Conduct ahead of elections in the state.
This move, a recurring pattern during election periods, has sparked controversy and criticism from opposition parties.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, had suggested granting parole to Singh subject to strict conditions, including refraining from any election-related activities and staying out of Haryana during the period. Singh will reside at the Dera ashram in Barnawa (Baghpat), Uttar Pradesh. “In view of the above-mentioned letters, the state government may consider the matter regarding grant of parole (20 days) to convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh confined in district jail, Rohtak, subject to the correctness of the facts regarding emergency and compelling reasons as mentioned in your letter dated September 30,” the CEO said.
The timing of Singh’s parole, just days before the Haryana polls, has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about its impact on the election. TO keep him away from the any political activity authorities have stated that the strict vigil be kept on his movement. “Further, a strict watch should be kept on the movement of convict and it should be ensured that he does not indulge in any election-related activity. If he is found indulging in any objectionable activity, his parole should be cancelled forthwith,” the letter reads.
This is not the first time Singh’s release has coincided with elections. He was granted a 21-day parole in August and a three-week parole in February 2022, just before the Punjab Assembly polls.
Opposition parties have consistently criticised these releases, alleging a political motive behind them. They accuse the ruling party of using Singh’s influence to sway voters in their favor, particularly in areas where the Dera commands huge support.
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