Rohtak: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, was taken back to Sunaria Jail in Rohtak on Sunday evening after the completion of his 40-day parole period. He reached the prison premises around 5 pm amid heavy security arrangements.
The Haryana Government had approved his parole earlier this year, with the order being issued on January 3, 2026. He was subsequently released on January 5. This marks the 15th instance since his conviction in 2017 that Singh has been granted temporary release from prison through parole or furlough.
Serving Life Sentence Since 2017
Singh is serving a life term after being convicted for the rape of two women disciples and for the murder of journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati. He has remained lodged at Sunaria Jail in Rohtak since the verdict, except during periods of court-approved or government-approved temporary release.
During his recent parole, Singh stayed at the Dera ashram in Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, as he has done on previous occasions. His last 40-day parole was granted in August last year. Prior to that, he received a 21-day parole in April and a 30-day parole in January. He was also granted 30 days of temporary release on February 5 ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.
In 2024, Singh was allowed a 20-day parole beginning October 1 ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections. He had also been granted a 21-day furlough in August 2024. Earlier, in February 2022, he was given a three-week furlough shortly before the Punjab Assembly elections.
Criticism Over Repeated Relief
The repeated grant of parole and furlough to the convicted sect leader has drawn criticism from various quarters, with opponents questioning the frequency and timing of his temporary releases, particularly in the run-up to elections.
Authorities, however, maintain that each parole and furlough has been processed in accordance with existing rules and procedures.
