Admn approval may delay decision on Rathore’s parole application

In order to substantiate Rathore’s claims that he has land meant to be cultivated,the police had conducted an investigation of the same. According to the report prepared by the police and the tehsildar,over 15 acres of land at Badhuar is jointly owned by Rathore,his wife,Abha and son,Rahul.

Of this,around nine acres is “generally used for cultivation but only 2.5 acres has been utilised for farming as of now”. The remaining land has plants growing there.

Meanwhile,the report also has statements given by the caretakers of the land stating that crops like jowar,bajra and paddy have been sowed on the 2.5 acres. While one acre each has been used for jowar and bajra,paddy has been sown on the remaining half acre.

Sources in the police claim that Rathore can be granted parole under Section 3 (c of Punjab Good Conduct of Prisoners’ (Temporary Rules) Act,1962. The section states that a convict can be granted parole in case he wants to plough,sow or cultivate land and that no friend or family members are aiding him in this. Meanwhile,the Girhotra family in an application given to the police,has expressed its apprehension in granting parole to Rathore. The family has stated that it fears for its life and Rathore can be a threat to its security in case he comes out on parole.

When Newsline contacted Deputy Commissioner Ashima Garg,who is to take a final call on the parole application,she said that she is yet to go through the report submitted by the SP and a decision could be taken only after the SDM furnishes a report in the matter.