Ram Rahim Granted 20-Day Parole Ahead of Haryana

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.