Haryana government accords Z-Plus security to rape convict Ram Rahim
The government of Haryana has granted Z-Plus category security cover to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh—the chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect. The decision was taken as he has allegedly been receiving threats to his life from pro-Khalistan groups. Ram Rahim—serving life imprisonment in cases of murder and rape—had been granted a 21-day furlough earlier this month.
Why does this story matter?
The top-tier security cover has been granted even as Ram Rahim is on furlough until February 28. He has been lodged in Sunaria jail in Rohtak for raping two of his women disciples and involvement in two murders. His furlough this month had triggered a controversy as it came just ahead of polling in Punjab—where many Dera followers reside.
What is Z-Plus security cover?
The government provides security detail to an individual based on a comprehensive threat assessment done by security agencies. In India, different categories of security cover are: X, Y, Y-Plus, Z, and Z-Plus, the last one being the topmost level. Under the Z-Plus security category, the covered individual is assigned commandos from the National Security Guard (NSG).
High court's notice to Haryana over furlough
Meanwhile, the Punjab and Haryana High Court recently directed the state government to produce the record based on which Ram Rahim has been granted furlough. The high court issued the notice on a plea seeking cancellation of the three-week furlough. The petition had been filed by Paramjit Singh Sohali, an independent candidate in the Punjab assembly polls.
Ram Rahim 'not a hardcore criminal': Government
In its response, the Haryana government told the high court that Ram Rahim was not a "hardcore criminal" as he was not the assailant in the two murder cases where he is convicted in. The government had further claimed that he had the right to be released on furlough as he had completed five years in jail.
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