Gurmeet Ram Rahim Granted 40-Day Parole from Prison Again

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, has been granted a 40-day parole, allowing him to leave Sunaria Jail in Rohtak, Haryana. This marks the 15th time he has been released on parole since his conviction in 2017 for the rape of two female followers and the murder of a journalist. Ram Rahim is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction, which took place in August 2017. His latest release comes just months after he was previously allowed a similar 40-day parole in August 2024.

During this parole period, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh will remain at the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters located in Sirsa. The Dera Sacha Sauda, a socio-spiritual organisation, has a significant following across several states in India, including Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The sect has been the subject of controversy, particularly regarding the legal consequences surrounding its leader.

In addition to the rape convictions, Ram Rahim was also found guilty in 2019 of involvement in the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, a case dating back over 16 years. He has faced public backlash and criticism from various groups, including Sikh organisations such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which have condemned the repeated grants of parole.

Historically, Ram Rahim has received various forms of temporary release from prison, including furloughs, particularly around significant dates for the Dera, such as the birth anniversary of Shah Satnam Ji Maharaj, the second head of the sect. His last furlough was granted in April 2024, shortly before the Haryana assembly elections, which has raised concerns regarding the timing of these releases in relation to political events.

As of now, jail authorities in Rohtak are still awaiting official orders regarding his latest release, as the process for granting parole involves several administrative steps. The public response to Ram Rahim's frequent releases has been mixed, with supporters celebrating his return to the sect's headquarters, while critics continue to voice their concerns over the implications of his parole for law and order.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's case remains one of the most high-profile instances of a convicted criminal receiving repeated temporary releases, prompting ongoing discussions about the justice system and its treatment of influential individuals in India.