Ram Rahim Is Still of Some Political Value?

It's generally difficult to get parole from courts for a commoner, but the influential do not need to worry about it. The most glaring example is Ram Rahim, who is called a spiritual guru but was convicted by the court of law under serious charges for 20 years, according to the source. Last time he received a 40-day parole to celebrate his 58th birthday, and now he's again celebrating the birthday of his guru, the source says.  

This is likely his 8th parole, after 8 years in jail. He was convicted in 2017, and the law and order authorities had to tackle the situation tactfully to control the followers during the arrest process, though lots of arms and ammunition were seized from the Ashram during the raid, the source says. The so-called Baba has a significant following in Haryana and UP. Political parties use the influence of Ram Rahim to secure votes in their favour, and this may be why he is granted parole frequently, a source says. The followers wait for the word from the Ashram to support the party source says. Support from followers in many areas likely derails established norms, and the influential receive special treatment from all concerned, the source says.