Massive setback: Parole likely to be denied to rapist Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, say sources

In what has come as a massive setback for Dera Sacha Sauda chief and rapist Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, sources have told Republic that parole can be denied to him in the 2002 journalist rape case. 

Ram Rahim sought parole for over a month's time to do farming on his fields in Haryana's Sirsa. However, sources have told that there is no land in the name of the Dera chief in the area. 

Controversy broke on Monday when the Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana government batted for parole to the rape convict. Haryana Sports Minister Anil Vij speaking to media had said that there is "nothing wrong" to Ram Rahim even if he is convicted in rape cases. 

"There is nothing wrong in giving him parole even though he has been convicted. The parole rule must be the same for all. Like other prisoners gets parole, if he has behaved properly in the jail, he can get parole. Don't join everything to election, parole is his right like any other prisoner," said Anil Vij. 

WATCH: "It Is His Right As Per The Laws," Says Haryana Minister Anil Vij Batting For Gurmeet Ram Rahim's Parole, Adding It Has Nothing To Do With Assembly Polls

Furthermore, a letter was written by the jail superintendent by the Haryana government, saying that Rahim has the right to get parole if his behavior has been good in jail. The letter stated that he has spent one year in jail and that his behaviour in jail is good, adding that Ram Rahim did not commit any crime inside the prison. 

The 51-year-old Dera Sacha Sauda chief is currently lodged at Sunaria jail in Rohtak after being convicted in two rape cases and murder of a journalist.  

In August of 2017, he was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two women. A special CBI court in Panchkula had in January 2019 also sentenced him and three others to life imprisonment for the murder of a journalist over 16 years ago.

READ | Haryana Govt Bats For Jailed Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's Parole, Minister Says 'he Must Get It If Behaviour In Jail Is Good'