Followers dejected as Ram Rahim sent to UP

Anil Kakkar

Sirsa, August 13

Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa was lavishly decorated in anticipation of the arrival of its chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who was expected to visit on furlough.

However, disappointment spread among the followers when news broke that Ram Rahim would be heading to his ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, instead of Sirsa.

Ram Rahim, who is serving a sentence for sexual assault and murder, has been granted a 21-day furlough just before the Haryana Assembly elections. While the followers in Sirsa had hoped for his visit, and decorated both the dera and their homes with lights and flags, their hopes were dashed when the decision was made to send him to Baghpat for “security reasons”.

Looking visibly upset, follower Vikram Kumar said everyone expected Ram Rahim to come to Sirsa this time. Another follower, Jeevan Ram, said the dera was always decorated whenever Ram Rahim was granted furlough, especially now with his birthday falling on August 15. It is reported that Ram Rahim often applies for furlough or parole in the hope of being sent to Sirsa, but concerns over security have consistently led to his transfer to the Baghpat ashram instead.

Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court advised the Haryana Government to consider Ram Rahim’s furlough carefully. As a result, the government allowed his furlough under the condition that he remains at the Barnawa Ashram in Baghpat for the full 21 days, avoiding Sirsa.

A media release from the dera on Tuesday announced that in celebration of Ram Rahim’s birthday on August 15, followers will conduct a tree-plantation campaign on August 14. On August 15, Ram Rahim will celebrate his birthday with a Bhandara at 6 pm. During this event, he will address his followers online from the Barnawa dera.