Ram Rahim came out of jail in the middle of elections, will spend 20 days in Baghpat

Haryana Election 2024: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is serving a 20-year sentence in a rape case, has come out of jail once again after getting 20 days parole. He left for Barnawa Ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh from Sunaria jail in Rohtak, Haryana on Wednesday morning amid tight security. This is the 15th time Ram Rahim has come out on parole in the last four years.

Election Commission approval

On Monday, the Election Commission approved Gurmeet Ram Rahim's parole request. Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Aggarwal said that the Haryana government can consider the parole of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, provided the facts given in his petition are true and the parole does not violate the election model code of conduct. After this approval, the Haryana government issued orders for the release of Ram Rahim.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim's release comes ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, raising several questions as the Dera Sacha Sauda is believed to have extensive influence in parts of Haryana and Punjab.

Several restrictions imposed on Ram Rahim

Several strict restrictions have been imposed on Ram Rahim during parole. He is not allowed to enter Haryana and cannot participate in any election activities, whether in person or through social media. These restrictions are aimed at keeping the electoral process fair. Apart from this, he is only allowed to stay in Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh, where his Barnawa Ashram is located.

Previous parole and furlough

Ram Rahim's previous parole and furlough were also granted at the time of elections, which gave rise to controversies. He got a three-week furlough ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections in February 2022. Apart from this, he has also been granted parole during municipal and state assembly elections. This parole has been granted just before the Haryana elections this time, raising the question whether any political advantage can be taken from it.

History of conviction

Gurmeet Ram Rahim was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2017 in the case of rape of two of his disciples. After this conviction, his followers resorted to violence and arson, in which many people were killed and widespread violence spread across the country. Since then he has been lodged in Rohtak's Sunaria jail, but has been regularly coming out on parole and furlough.

Conclusion

Gurmeet Ram Rahim's parole, especially the leaves granted at the time of elections, is once again giving rise to controversies. Although strict restrictions have been imposed on him so that he cannot interfere in the electoral process, there is still debate in political circles about the timing of this decision. Ram Rahim's influence can affect the results of elections, especially in areas where Dera Sacha Sauda has a strong influence.