Controversial Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh set for parole ahead of Haryana elections

New Delhi: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the controversial leader of Dera Sacha Sauda and a convicted rapist, is poised for another temporary release from jail after receiving approval for his parole request from the Election Commission of India. This marks Singh's third release in just nine months and brings his total to 15 since his conviction four years ago.

Timing raises concerns

Singh's anticipated release is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the upcoming Haryana assembly elections on October 5. His previous paroles have consistently occurred around election times, raising questions about the motivations behind these timely approvals. Reports indicate that Singh's releases often align with various elections, whether municipal or state assembly.

Despite being granted parole, Singh will face several restrictions. He is prohibited from entering Haryana and is banned from participating in any election-related activities, whether in person or through social media. Following the Election Commission's approval, the Haryana government is expected to issue his release order shortly.

Singh's history of releases

Since his initial conviction in 2017 for raping two female followers, Singh has been granted numerous furloughs and paroles. Following a 21-day furlough on August 13, he returned to Sunaria jail on September 2. Since 2020, Singh has been temporarily released 14 times, totaling 259 days outside of jail. His previous parole on January 19 came just before the Lok Sabha elections, continuing a pattern of releases tied to electoral events.

In addition to his rape convictions, Singh and four others were acquitted in May regarding the 2002 murder of the sect's former manager, Ranjit Singh. As Singh prepares for yet another release, the political implications of his presence loom large, especially in the sensitive electoral landscape of Haryana and Punjab.