Amritsar, August 25: The Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have fiercely condemned the state’s decision to grant a new 21-day furlough to rape convict and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The head priest of the Akal Takht expressed outrage that individuals imprisoned for heinous crimes are being granted regular temporary freedom, while Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences continue to face indefinite detention.
“Those who were jailed for heinous crimes like rape and are released frequently as if they are on a picnic, and on the other hand, ‘Bandi Singhs’ who have been in jail for over 30 years and who have completed their sentences, are denied parole,” stated Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj.
The Dera chief, who is serving a 20-year sentence for raping two disciples, walked out of Sunaria jail in Rohtak on Tuesday. This marks his 17th temporary release since his conviction in August 2017, and his third release this year alone, following previous stints of parole in January and May. Sikh leaders argue this pattern exposes an inherently biased legal framework that accommodates high-profile convicts while ignoring community pleas for the release of ‘Bandi Singhs’—Sikh prisoners held since the Punjab insurgency of the 1990s.
“It is again proved today that there are two types of laws in the country,” said SGPC executive committee member Gurpreet Singh Jhabbar, calling the state’s action deeply unfortunate. “On one side, the entire community wants that Bandi Singhs, who have completed their sentences should be released. Also Jagtar Singh Hawara should be given parole. On the other hand, Ram Rahim Singh is released on parole/furlough for 17th times.”
