The Election Commission has granted a 20-day parole to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief and convicted rapist, who is serving a 20-year sentence for the rape of two disciples. His release comes ahead of the October 5 Haryana Assembly elections, and he is currently incarcerated at Sunaria jail in Rohtak. Ram Rahim is set to move to his Baghpat Ashram in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday morning.
While on parole, Ram Rahim is prohibited from staying in Haryana or engaging in any political activities, including issuing political messages via social media. Violation of these conditions will result in the cancellation of his parole. This marks the 11th time he will be released from jail, having previously been granted a 21-day parole on August 13.
Ram Rahim wields considerable influence in areas like Sirsa, Hisar, and Fatehabad, where he has a substantial following. His release ahead of the elections could significantly impact voter sentiment, particularly as the polls are set for a single phase on October 5, with results to be counted on October 8.
Notably, Ram Rahim was previously granted a 50-day parole in January and has faced a series of legal challenges. In May, a high court acquitted him and four others in the 2002 murder of former sect manager Ranjit Singh, citing flaws in the investigation.
