Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been granted a 30-day parole by the Haryana government, according to officials on Wednesday. The controversial sect leader, who is serving a 20-year sentence in Rohtak's Sunaria jail for the rape of two disciples, will be released from prison on May 27, 2026. This marks his latest temporary release, following multiple paroles and furloughs in recent years.
Parole Granted Amid Security Concerns
The Haryana government's decision to grant parole to Gurmeet Ram Rahim has raised security concerns, especially in the sensitive region of Sirsa, where the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters is located. Authorities have deployed additional security forces to prevent any untoward incidents. The sect leader's parole comes at a time when the state is already on high alert due to ongoing communal tensions.
Previous Paroles and Controversies
Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been granted parole multiple times since his conviction in 2017. In 2024, he was released on a 21-day parole, which was later extended by another 30 days. His previous releases have often been met with protests from victim groups and women's rights activists, who argue that the convict should not be given such privileges. The Dera Sacha Sauda chief has also been involved in other legal cases, including the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati and the 2006 Sirsa violence.
Reactions from Political Parties and Activists
The parole decision has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and social activists. Congress leaders have accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of appeasing the Dera for political gains, especially ahead of the upcoming state elections. The BJP, however, has maintained that the parole was granted based on the recommendations of the jail authorities and following standard procedures. Women's rights groups have demanded a review of the parole policy, stating that convicts of serious crimes like rape should not be given such leniency.
Conditions of Parole
According to official sources, the parole has been granted on the condition that Gurmeet Ram Rahim will not leave the state of Haryana without prior permission. He is also required to report to the local police station daily. The Dera chief is expected to spend his parole period at his ashram in Sirsa, where he will be under strict surveillance. The police have been instructed to ensure that no large gatherings or events are organized in his honor.
Impact on Followers
News of the parole has sparked celebrations among the followers of Dera Sacha Sauda, who consider Gurmeet Ram Rahim as their spiritual leader. Thousands of devotees have started gathering near the Dera headquarters in Sirsa, hoping to catch a glimpse of their guru. However, the administration has imposed Section 144 in the area to prevent any large congregations. The followers have been urged to maintain peace and follow the law.
The parole of Gurmeet Ram Rahim is likely to remain a contentious issue, with debates over the justice system's handling of high-profile convicts. As the sect leader prepares to walk out of jail, the state machinery is bracing for any potential fallout.
