Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is poised to walk out of prison on his 15th parole since being convicted for rape, securing a 40-day release from Rohtak's Sunaria jail. The controversial spiritual leader, currently serving a 20-year sentence for raping two female disciples, is expected to be released either on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning after completing formalities.
Details of the Latest Parole Release
This marks Singh's 15th temporary release from custody since his conviction in August 2017. The district administration has approved the 40-day parole period. Upon his release, he will travel in a large convoy featuring over two dozen vehicles, which includes bulletproof cars, as he is entitled to Z-category security.
During his parole, Singh is anticipated to stay at the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters located in Sirsa. While he is prohibited from gathering his followers physically at the dera premises, he retains the ability to address them through virtual means.
A History of Frequent Releases
This pattern of regular parole and furlough grants has been consistent. Singh's last release was a 40-day parole starting August 5, 2025, which he used to celebrate his birthday on August 15 before returning to prison in September. Prior to that, in April 2025, he was granted a 21-day furlough.
Notably, in January 2025, he was released on a 30-day parole just a week before the Delhi Assembly elections, spending that time at the Sirsa headquarters. In previous releases, he has mostly resided at the Dera's ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, and on two occasions in Sirsa.
Conviction and Aftermath
The legal saga began in August 2017 when a special CBI court in Panchkula found Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh guilty on two counts of rape. The court sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 15 lakh on each of the two victims.
The verdict triggered massive violence and arson by his followers in Panchkula and Sirsa. Clashes with security forces resulted in the deaths of over 40 people. Following the conviction, Singh was airlifted by helicopter from Panchkula to Rohtak's Sunaria prison, where he has been incarcerated since.
Timeline of Key Releases:
- First release: October 24, 2020 (1-day parole)
- May 21, 2021: 12-hour parole to visit his ailing mother
- Multiple furloughs and paroles throughout 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, ranging from 20 to 50 days.
- The 14th release was the 40-day parole beginning August 5, 2025.
The frequent paroles granted to the Dera chief continue to draw public attention and scrutiny, highlighting the legal provisions for temporary release available to convicts even during long-term sentences.
