Ram Rahim's parole plea may be rejected despite nod of authorities

The Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana is under fire after the jail authorities gave its nod to Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s parole application, with the Congress speculating whether the state was planning to release the convict.

Sirsa Police had recommended parole for the jailed Dera Sacha Sauda chief citing his ‘good behavior’ in the prison. Singh had sought a 42-day parole for farming activities at his sect’s headquarters in Sirsa.

“Is the Haryana government considering the release of #BabaRamRahim, who is serving jail term for murder, rape and many heinous crimes? Is this BJP’s Ram Rajya? #Haryana,” tweeted senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi on Tuesday, training his guns at the state government.

However, the parole plea may be rejected as several media reports suggest the rape convict himself does not own any land, citing Revenue department records. But, New18 reports, the sect owns around 250 acres of land in Sirsa.

The Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (temporary release) Act, the basis on which Singh had sought parole, allows temporary release of a prisoner if the government was satisfied the prisoner’s release is necessary for agricultural purposes on his land or that of his father in his possession.

Meanwhile, there also remains the fear of riots breaking out in the state similar to those that occurred when Singh was arrested.