The Akal Takht, the highest temporal body for Sikhs, has punished senior Akali leaders including former Punjab Deputy CM and SAD Chief Sukhbir Badal for their involvement in the 2015 sacrilege incidents. As penance, Badal and others have been assigned tasks such as cleaning, washing, and guard duty, and have had titles and benefits revoked. This event represents a historic moment in Punjab politics, showcasing the authority of the Akal Takht and the humbling of once-powerful figures.
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has cleared the way for the trial of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leader of Dera Sacha Sauda, in connection with the 2015 sacrilege incidents. This decision comes after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann granted permission for his prosecution, following the High Court’s order to expedite the case. With Ram Rahim currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and murder convictions, the court's notice to him highlights the significance of this high-profile case.
On October 19, 2024, the Punjab government requested a response from Ram Rahim within four weeks. This order came from the bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan after an appeal was made. The court noted that the matter required scrutiny and issued a notice to the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape.
Sunil Sangwan, the former jail superintendent of the jail where Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is lodged, has won the Charkhi Dadri seat in Haryana as a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate. He defeated Congress' Manisha Sangwan by 1,957 votes in the October 5 assembly polls. Sangwan had recently taken voluntary retirement and joined the BJP, following in the footsteps of his father, ex-MLA and ex-minister Satpal Sangwan. During his tenure, Sangwan served as superintendent of many jails, including the one where the controversial Dera chief is currently lodged.
Amidst a closely contested election between the BJP and Congress in Haryana, the issue of parole being granted to convicted rapist and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has raised questions about the violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Both the Congress and a victim's son have flagged this issue and urged the Chief Election Commissioner to intervene. This parole would be the 10th granted to Rahim in the past two years, sparking concern about his potential influence in the polls. The controversy highlights the need for unbiased news coverage in the midst of political agendas.
Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, currently serving a life sentence for rape and murder, has been granted parole for the fifth time before an election. With his followers claiming to have received instructions to vote en bloc, the dera chief's influence on voters in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan cannot be ignored. This move comes after the dera dissolved its political wing last year and the Election Commission has banned the dera chief from indulging in any political activity. However, allegations of his influence on voters have been raised in the past as well, making this parole decision a contentious one.
Kiku Sharda says there are moral lines that shouldn't be crossed in comedy, especially when it comes to religion. After being arrested for mimicking a religious leader in 2016, the actor-comedian opened up about his stance on religious jokes and his love for comedy in an interview. He also shared his favourite stand-up comedians, such as Vir Das and Zakir Khan, who have helped popularize comedy in different languages.
The BJP has drawn criticism for naming Sunil Sangwan, former prison official who granted parole to controversial Dera Sacha Sauda chief and rape convict Ram Rahim six times, as a candidate for the upcoming Haryana Assembly election. Political observers have noted a pattern in Ram Rahim's temporary releases - they often coincide with state or local body elections. Sangwan's inclusion in the party's list of candidates raises questions about the BJP's priorities and strategies for the election.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief and rape convict, has been granted a 21-day furlough from the Sunaria jail in Haryana. During his temporary release period, he will reside at the Dera ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed a petition against his release and instructed the competent authority to consider his plea without bias. Singh had filed for the furlough in June and the court had previously directed the Haryana government to not grant him any more paroles without permission. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and was also convicted for murder in 2019 (later acquitted by HC).
Mona Agarwal, who faced taunts and mockery from relatives due to her disability, refused to let it hold her back. She persevered and competed in para-shooting, winning a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics. Her story of determination and success serves as an inspiration for others.