6.69°C Vancouver

Oct 1, 2024 2:28 PM - Connect Newsroom - Mandeep Kaur

Ram Rahim Granted 20-Day Parole Ahead of Haryana

Share On
ram-rahim-granted-20-day-parole-ahead-of-haryana
The Election Commissioner had allowed the state government to consider the parole application of the Dera chief on Monday itself.

Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini has approved a 20-day parole for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is currently serving a prison sentence for rape and murder convictions.

The decision was made after the Election Commission of India granted permission on Monday for the state government to review the parole request. With Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, the approval was required to ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to 20 years in jail by a special court. Since his imprisonment, this marks the 11th time he has been granted parole or furlough by the government.

The decision has sparked renewed debate over political influence and the timing of repeated paroles granted to the controversial sect leader, who continues to wield significant influence among his followers in parts of Haryana and Punjab.

Latest news

BCOct 30, 2026

Metro Vancouver Board Delays 2027 Budget Vote Until New Board Takes Office

The Metro Vancouver Board has postponed a vote on its 2027 budget and five-year financial plan during its final meeting on Friday. Newly elected Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum had recently called for the meeting to be cancelled, arguing that voters had replaced mayors in 13 of the region’s 21 municipalities. He said there was little point in the outgoing board making decisions about future budgets and plans. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West and Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger were among several leaders who supported the decision. They argued that the current board had lost its mandate and that the incomi
todd-matsumoto-appointed-surrey-police-chief
BCOct 30, 2026

Todd Matsumoto Appointed Surrey Police Chief

The Surrey Police Service (SPS) has appointed a new chief following the removal of former Chief Constable Norm Lipinski. The SPS Board announced Friday that Todd Matsumoto, who had been serving as interim chief, has officially been appointed as the city's Chief Constable. Surrey Police Board Chair Perm Jawanda expressed confidence in Matsumoto, describing him as the right leader to guide the SPS. Matsumoto brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in policing and public safety. He has been serving as interim chief since June 2026, replacing Lipinski. Following his appointment, Matsumo
david-eby-absent-as-b-c-ndp-selects-jennifer-whiteside-as-interim-leader
BCOct 30, 2026

David Eby Absent as B.C. NDP Selects Jennifer Whiteside as Interim Leader

Former B.C. NDP leader David Eby was absent from a key caucus meeting held Thursday, during which Jennifer Whiteside was unanimously elected as the party’s new interim leader. Whiteside confirmed that Eby did not attend the meeting in person or join virtually. According to reports, Eby apologized and took full responsibility for the party’s election defeat during a final online meeting with outgoing MLAs on Wednesday. However, he reportedly added that he would have made the same decision under the circumstances, prompting frustration among several MLAs. The following day, Eby was absent wh
modi-to-visit-canada-on-december-11-12-may-address-30-000-person-gathering
CanadaOct 30, 2026

Modi to Visit Canada on December 11–12, May Address 30,000-Person Gathering

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Canada for two days on December 11 and 12 at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. According to reports, Modi will address a gathering of the Indo-Canadian community in Toronto on December 11, with approximately 30,000 people expected to attend. However, his visit could extend beyond two days, although the final itinerary has yet to be confirmed. After completing his official bilateral engagements in Ottawa and Toronto, Modi will travel to the United States to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit. The visit is also expected to provide a
edmonton-police-investigate-suspicious-death-of-2-year-old-girl
AlbertaOct 30, 2026

Edmonton Police Investigate Suspicious Death of 2-Year-Old Girl

Edmonton police are investigating the suspicious death of a 2-year-old girl in the Castle Downs neighbourhood. Police received a report of a sudden child death at a home in the area at approximately 2 p.m. on October 10. Officers immediately responded to the scene. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Homicide Section has taken over the investigation. An autopsy has been completed, but the medical examiner is awaiting toxicology results to determine the exact cause of death. Police have not released any further details as the investigation continues.

Related News