Ram Rahim Set for 15th Parole Ahead of Haryana Assembly Polls on October 5
- Posted on October 1, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
- 101 Views
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, convicted leader of Dera Sacha Sauda, is set to receive his 15th parole, timed just days before the Haryana assembly elections on October 5. His parole has sparked attention due to its alignment with major electoral events. Convicted in 2017 for raping two female followers, Ram Rahim has spent 259 days out of jail on temporary releases since 2020. Restrictions during his parole include a ban on entering Haryana and engaging in election-related activities.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leader of Dera Sacha Sauda and convicted rapist, is set for his 15th parole since his conviction in 2017. His latest temporary release, approved by the Election Commission on Monday, is expected just days before the Haryana assembly elections on October 5, continuing a pattern of his paroles coinciding with electoral events.
Ram Rahim, who wields significant influence in Haryana and Punjab, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping two female followers. Since 2020, he has been temporarily released 14 times, amounting to 259 days out of jail. His most recent furlough occurred on August 13, 2024, lasting 21 days, before he returned to Sunaria jail on September 2.
As part of the conditions of his parole, Ram Rahim will not be allowed to enter Haryana or participate in any election-related activities, including through social media.
While the Haryana government is expected to issue his release order soon, Ram Rahim’s repeated paroles have drawn attention for their timing. His previous releases took place ahead of major elections, such as the 2022 Punjab assembly elections and the Haryana municipal elections in June 2022. Similarly, his parole in January 2024 occurred shortly before the Lok Sabha elections.
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In addition to his 2017 conviction, Ram Rahim and four others were acquitted by the high court in May 2024 in the case of the 2002 murder of Ranjit Singh, the sect's former manager.
