The Haryana government has granted a 20-day parole for Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. However, strict rules have been placed on him. Singh is not allowed to participate in activities related to elections and also, he is not permitted to stay in Haryana during the parole period. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence in Rohtak’s Sunaria jail for raping two of his disciples. He has requested parole ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections which are scheduled to take place on 5 October.
Previous crimes and parole conditions for Singh
Singh has also been pronounced guilty in 2019 along with three others in the murder of a journalist which happened 16 years ago. As per parole terms, he must reside outside Haryana during the election period. He has a plan to stay at Dera ashram in Barnawa, Uttar Pradesh during the parole period as he has personally requested the same.
Monitoring parole period as per Model Code of Conduct
The Haryana government has reviewed the parole request based on the Model Code of Conduct as the assembly elections are coming up. Singh will be thoroughly monitored and his parole has been given based on conditions, as stated by Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal. Singh’s parole will be immediately cancelled if he gets involved in political activities. Earlier, Singh parole’s period coincided with the elections in Punjab and Haryana has raised several controversies, and has been criticised by the position parties too.