Ahead of the Haryana assembly elections, the BJP government has granted a 21-day furlough to Baba Ram Rahim, who is serving a sentence for sexual abuse and murder. Following his release from Sunaria Jail, Baba Ram Rahim has arrived at his Barwala Ashram in Uttar Pradesh. This latest furlough has sparked controversy and raised questions about the timing and frequency of such privileges.
Over the past four years, Baba Ram Rahim has been granted multiple furloughs and paroles. During his sentence, he has spent a total of 254 days out of jail. The reasons for these releases have varied, including claims of health issues and family emergencies. Notably, Baba Ram Rahim has received numerous paroles, often coinciding with periods of political significance or electoral events.
Key dates of his paroles and furloughs include:
- 20 October 2020: One-day parole to meet his mother.
- Rajya Sabha Polls Announced One-day parole for medical check-up at PGI.
- 1Rajya Sabha Polls Announced One-day parole to visit his mother, with a police escort.
- 3 June 2021: Taken to PGI for stomach issues.
- 8 June 2021: Health check-up at Medanta Hospital.
- 13 July 2021: Visited AIIMS, allegedly meeting two women on his return.
- February 2022: 21-day parole.
- June 2022: 30-day parole.
- October 2022: 40-day parole.
- 21 January 2023: 40-day parole.
- 20 July 2023: 30-day parole.
- 20 November 2023: 21-day parole.
- 19 January 2024: 50-day parole.
- 13 August 2024: 21-day furlough.
The timing of these releases, often coinciding with electoral events or political unrest, has led to allegations that the government may be considering the political influence of Baba Ram Rahim’s supporters. Critics argue that these frequent paroles and furloughs may be strategically timed to align with the government’s political interests and the vote bank of the Dera’s followers.