In a significant development, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been released from prison after being granted parole. This marks the 15th instance of the controversial spiritual leader walking out of jail on temporary release.
Release and Current Whereabouts
The release was confirmed on January 5, 2026. Following his exit from the prison gates, Singh is set to reside at the headquarters of his sect, the Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa. The parole terms allow him to stay at the dera for a specified period, though the exact duration of this current release was not immediately detailed in the initial reports.
A History of Temporary Releases
This is not the first time the Dera chief has been granted temporary relief from incarceration. His parole history has been a subject of public and political discourse. Prior to this, Singh was given a 21-day furlough in August 2024.
Furthermore, he was permitted a three-week furlough starting February 7, 2022. That particular release date fell barely two weeks before the Punjab assembly elections, a timing that had sparked considerable controversy and debate among political circles and the public alike.
Legal Context and Public Reaction
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is currently serving a prison sentence for convictions including rape and murder. Each application for parole or furlough is reviewed by the relevant authorities as per legal provisions. However, the frequency of his temporary releases continues to draw mixed reactions.
Supporters of the Dera chief argue for his right to parole under the law, while critics and some sections of the public question the pattern and timing of these releases. The decision invariably puts a spotlight on the systems governing parole for high-profile convicts in India.
As he settles at the Sirsa Dera, the administration and security apparatus are likely monitoring the situation closely. The story continues to evolve, with legal experts and political analysts weighing in on the implications of this latest chapter in a long-running legal saga.
