After the early release of Bilkis Bano gangrape convicts, Bhartiya Janata Party is again under scanner in connection to the Dera Sachha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
Self-styled Godman, Gurmeet Ram Rahim was convicted of murder and rape. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released from Sunaria prison in Rohtak on 40-day parole on October 14.
This is the third time that he has been released from prison. He was out from prison on month-long parole in June. Prior to that, he was granted three weeks’ furlough in February. Now, he is on 40 days of parole.
The opposition came down heavily on Bhartiya Janata Party considering it a move to influence next month’s by-election and panchayat polls in Haryana.
Ram Rahim hosted a virtual Satsang from Bhagpat, Uttar Pradesh. Several political attendees include Karnal Mayor Renu Bala Gupta, Deputy Mayor Naveen Kumar and Senior Deputy Mayor Rajesh Aggi.
“I was invited to the satsang by the ‘sadh sangat’. Online satsang was done from UP. Many people in my ward are associated with Baba. We reached the program from social connection, and it has nothing to do with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the upcoming bypoll,” Mr Kumar said.
He stated that all convicts had the right to request parole, and there was no special treatment for the religious leader who has lakhs of followers in the state. He may have taken parole for the festival of Diwali, and we should not equate it with elections, he added.
While commenting on the same, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij stated he had nothing to do with the granting of parole to Singh and that the decision is taken by the jail department. “If a person from Karnal believes in Gurmeet Ram Rahim and has gone to see him, then what is the connection with Adampur polls?” he said.
Parole is granted on an urgent demand or need. However, furlough can be given without any reason after serving a stipulated amount of time in prison.
