Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Released on Furlough:
Truly, the prison has turned into a rest house. The law feels like a farce, and punishment seems like a bit-part job. Who says justice is the same for all? Be it rich or poor, strong or weak, he has disproven all old adages. Despite being a convicted rapist and murderer with two twenty-year life imprisonments, he relishes moments of freedom under the guise of parole and furlough. Let's delve into the saga of rapist-killer Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan.
Celebrated Birthday for 21 Days
Imagine leaving prison as if a frequent traveler to one's in-laws. Just this past August 13, the erstwhile rockstar Baba, known as 'Love Charger', paraded out of 'jail' to revel 21 days in grand celebration of his birthday. Return came on September 3, preparing for another stint out.
Furlough Within Three Weeks
Restless in confinement, he once again applied for leave. Surprisingly, an unseen force outside prison obligingly approved each eager petition envelope without reading the contents. Within three weeks, 'Love Charger' charges out once more. Coincidentally, an election is around the corner in Haryana.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), nearly six hundred thousand prisoners are incarcerated across the nation, with approximately 175,000 convicted. However, find a prisoner granted more than 255 days of parole and furlough in seven years, apart from Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. You won't find another name.
Influence Over Power Players
Why the special treatment of Gurmeet Ram Rahim amidst formidable prisoners? Recall, before his criminal unveiling, he was 'Baba', whom notable figures revered and sought blessings from. The blessings he once bestowed now seem to come full circle as his return gifts.
Interestingly, his 'return gifts' align conveniently with electoral seasons, whether municipal, panchayat, state, or general elections. Not just coincidental, but quintessentially Haryana, from where pivotal elections are upcoming, necessitating 'Baba's' release for strategic assessment.
Punjab & Haryana High Court's Recent Tolerance
Notably, ahead of his birthday this time, Punjab & Haryana High Court facilitated his furlough, despite previously reprimanding the government for routinely granting his furloughs and paroles. The state, obligated to seek court permission on future releases, rushed to the High Court seeking fresh release orders.
Furlough on August 13
The High Court, seemingly softened, permitted Gurmeet Ram Rahim, allowing him a 21-day respite starting August 13, to swap prison garb for his usual demeanor, resuming his virtual sermons.
70 Days Parole Yearly Per Haryana Jail Manual
According to Haryana's Jail Manual, each inmate may relish up to 70 days of annual parole. Having already enjoyed 50 days this year, Baba applied for a 20-day extension amid election regulations, transferring his plea through the Chief Electoral Officer.
Furlough Granted with Conditions
The CEO assessed his parole chronology, imposing conditions that bars Baba from overt or social media election campaigning. Yet, in today's social media age, speculations abound around his subtle influence. Baba might likely relocate to Baghpat’s Barwala Ashram upon release.
From the ashram, he could extend his wisdom, craft strategies, and receive discreet visits from political and bureaucratic figures. For those engaged in Haryana's politics, Baba still spells votes over criminal stigma.
Asaram's Failed Political Reach
Switching gears to Rajasthan’s Jodhpur Central Jail since August 2013, housing another disgraced Baba, Asaram. Despite a vast network like Gurmeet, his luck diverged, lacking a voter base despite disciples.
Asaram's Initial Seven-Day Parole
Consequentially, while Gurmeet savored 255 days spread over multiple installments in seven years, Asaram, older and frailer, secured his first seven-day parole in August, intended for medical aid later extended to 14 days. Returning to jail, Asaram’s case highlights disparity with other inmates.
Gurmeet's Sentence for Rape and Murder
Known infamously as a 'Baba', Gurmeet Ram Rahim faced a 20-year term for raping two women and murdering a journalist in September 2017. Despite seven years in confinement, freedom tastes haven't eluded him. Here's a glimpse of his parole list:
October 20, 2020 – One-day parole to meet his mother
May 12, 2021 – One-day parole for a BP check-up
May 17, 2021 – Another one-day parole to see his mother
June 3, 2021 – Seven-day parole due to a stomach ache
July 13, 2021 – Parole for a medical check-up at AIIMS
February 7, 2022 – 21-day furlough
June 17, 2022 – 30-day parole
October 2022 – 40-day parole
January 21, 2023 – 40-day parole
July 20, 2023 – 30-day parole
November 20, 2023 – 21-day parole
January 19, 2024 – Full 50-day parole
August 13, 2024 – 21-day furlough
October 1, 2024 – 20-day furlough
