Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was granted a 30-day parole on Monday, marking his 16th release from prison since his conviction for the rape of two disciples in 2017. The sect leader was released from Sunaria jail in Haryana's Rohtak district, according to officials.
Details of the Parole
The parole was granted under the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022. A senior jail official confirmed that Ram Rahim walked out of the prison premises around 10:30 am. This is the second time he has been granted parole in 2025; his previous parole was in February.
Since his conviction in August 2017, Ram Rahim has been released on parole or furlough 16 times, including the current release. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence at Sunaria jail for the rape of two women followers. Additionally, he has been convicted in two murder cases, including the killing of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati and a former Dera manager.
Previous Paroles and Controversies
The frequent paroles have drawn criticism from various quarters, with questions raised about preferential treatment. In 2024 alone, he was granted parole multiple times, often for agricultural work or family obligations. Critics argue that the ease with which he secures parole undermines the justice system.
Despite the controversies, the Haryana government has maintained that the paroles are granted as per the rules and based on recommendations from the jail authorities. The Dera Sacha Sauda, headquartered in Sirsa, continues to wield significant political influence in the state.
Legal Background
Ram Rahim was convicted in 2017 for raping two female disciples. The case was investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He was also found guilty of murdering journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati in 2002 and a former Dera manager in 2003. He is currently serving life imprisonment for these murders.
The sect leader's parole periods have often been extended, leading to public outcry. In 2023, he spent over 200 days outside prison on parole. The latest parole is expected to last until mid-May, after which he must return to Sunaria jail.
