Chandigarh, Oct 1
Controversial Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, serving a 20-year jail sentence for raping two of his disciples, may be out on parole before October 5, the day for the Assembly polls in Haryana, sources said on Tuesday, adding that the final call, however, will be taken by the state government.
If he is granted parole, this will be Ram Rahim Singh's 11th parole or furlough in the last four years.
Ram Rahim was patronised by political leaders and parties in Punjab and Haryana for nearly two decades due to his ability to influence the votes of his followers.
Now Ram Rahim has sought 20-day parole, citing the death anniversary of his father Maghar Singh on October 5, which is observed as Parmarthi Diwas, as the reason for the grant of parole.
It is learnt the Election Commission on Monday evening approved the parole petition with three conditions: He is prohibited from entering Haryana during this period, he cannot engage in any political activity, and he must refrain from participating in election-related activities even through social media.
After the Election Commission permitted the state government to “consider” Ram Rahim’s plea, the state Home Department forwarded the permission to caretaker Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for approval. Once the Chief Minister approves, the dera chief will be released on parole with certain conditions that if violated, his parole will be revoked.