The Election Commission on Monday granted 20-day parole to rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The move came ahead of high-stakes Assembly polls in Haryana. However, the poll body accepted Singh’s furlough request with certain conditions. The Dera Chief not be allowed to stay in Haryana during this period, nor can he engage in any political activity or issue political messages on social media platforms.

Ram Rahim will stay in his Bagpath Ashram during this period. Violation of the aforementioned conditions will lead to the cancellation of his parole.

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Notably, this is the 11th instance when Ram Rahim will walk out of jail since his conviction in rape and murder cases. He is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for raping two of his disciples and is incarcerated in Sunaria Jail in Rohtak district.

Earlier, Ram Rahim was granted a 50-day furlough in January, followed by a 21-day parole in August.

Ram Rahim’s furlough and election connection

Ram Rahim has a great influence in Haryana polls owing to his large following. Regions like Sirsa, Hisar and Fatehabad have a strong Dera influence when it comes to electing their representatives. There have been several instances when Ram Rahim walked out of jail ahead of several key elections in the state. Psephologists believe his release could potentially impact the electoral outcomes this time as well.

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Here’s a look at Ram Rahim’s paroles during the elections

- February 7, 2022: Punjab elections, 21-day furlough to visit family
- June 17, 2022: Haryana municipal elections, 30-day parole
- October 14, 2022: Adampur by-election, 40-day parole
- January 21, 2023: Haryana panchayat elections, 40-day parole
- July 20, 2023: Haryana panchayat by-elections, 30-day parole
- November 21, 2023: Rajasthan elections, 21-day furlough
- January 19, 2024: 50-day parole right before the general elections
- August 13, 2024: Haryana assembly elections, 21-day furlough