Amidst controversy and protests, Haryana court has granted 30-day parole to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda who is serving a 20-year sentence for rape. This is the 12th time he has received parole since 2017. Despite his requests for followers to not visit him, his release has sparked anger and unrest in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and others. Interestingly, this parole comes just a few years after his acquittal in the 2002 murder of a journalist, and serves as a reminder of the controversies surrounding the self-proclaimed godman.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh: A Saga of Controversies and Controversial Paroles
Background
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is the self-proclaimed spiritual leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda, a controversial religious sect based in Haryana, India. He has been involved in numerous controversies over the years, including allegations of sexual abuse, murder, and inciting violence.
In 2017, Singh was convicted of raping two of his followers and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Since then, he has been granted parole on several occasions, sparking protests and unrest.
Current Controversy
On February 7, 2023, the Haryana High Court granted Singh a 30-day parole. This is the 12th time he has been granted parole since his conviction. The parole has sparked widespread anger and protests in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and other states.
Recent Acquittal
In 2021, Singh was acquitted in the 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati. The acquittal was widely criticized, raising questions about the judicial system's ability to hold powerful individuals accountable.
Top 5 FAQs
Q: Why has Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh been granted parole so many times?
A: The Haryana government has stated that Singh is being granted parole due to good behavior in prison and on health grounds. However, critics allege that the paroles are politically motivated.
Q: How has his parole sparked protests?
A: Victims of Singh's crimes and activists fear that his release could lead to violence or intimidation. They also argue that the parole is an insult to the victims and sends a message that those in power can escape justice.
Q: What are the controversies surrounding the Dera Sacha Sauda?
A: The Dera Sacha Sauda has been accused of promoting superstition, engaging in forced conversions, and financially exploiting followers. It has also been linked to instances of communal violence.
Q: Has Singh been convicted of any other crimes?
A: In addition to the rape convictions, Singh has also been found guilty of sedition and inciting violence. He is currently facing trial in several other cases, including the 2002 murder of a former Dera manager.
Q: What is the future of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh?
A: It is unclear when Singh will be released from prison. His repeated paroles have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the judicial system in holding him accountable for his crimes. The future of the Dera Sacha Sauda is also uncertain, with many followers still loyal to Singh but others disillusioned by the controversies surrounding the sect.
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