Controversy Surrounds Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s 20-Day Parole Amid Election Tensions

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, chief of Dera Sacha Sauda and a convicted rapist, was granted a 20-day parole by the Haryana government ahead of the October 5 Assembly polls. While Singh will stay at the Dera ashram in Uttar Pradesh, his parole has sparked criticism among opposition parties and Sikh groups, who see it as an injustice.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of Dera Sacha Sauda and a convicted rapist, was released on a 20-day parole from Haryana's Sunaria jail on Wednesday under tight security. During this temporary release, Singh will reside at the Dera ashram in Barnawa, Uttar Pradesh.

The Haryana government granted Singh's parole with strict conditions prohibiting election-related activities, making speeches, and remaining within the state. Singh is serving a 20-year sentence for raping two of his disciples and was also convicted in 2019 for a journalist's murder over 16 years ago.

Critics, including Sikh leaders and opposition parties, have voiced strong opposition to Singh's repeated paroles, especially close to election periods, accusing the government of disregarding Sikh sentiments and undermining justice for other long-serving prisoners.

(With inputs from agencies.)