Rohtak: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh walked out of Haryana’s high-security Sunaria jail in Rohtak on Tuesday after being granted a 21-day furlough, marking his 17th temporary release from prison since 2020.
Ram Rahim, who is serving prison sentences in cases including the rape of two women disciples and murder-related cases, left the jail early Tuesday under security arrangements. The latest release comes less than two months after he returned to Sunaria jail following an earlier 30-day temporary release.
17th Temporary Release Since 2020
The latest 21-day furlough has once again drawn attention to the frequency of temporary releases granted to the controversial Dera chief.
According to reports, this is Ram Rahim’s 17th parole or furlough since 2020. Over the years, he has been granted temporary releases ranging from a few hours to several weeks. His previous releases have frequently sparked public and political debate because of the serious nature of the crimes for which he was convicted.
Convicted in Rape Cases
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted by a special CBI court in 2017 in the rape cases involving two of his women followers. He received two 10-year prison sentences in the cases. He was subsequently convicted in other criminal cases, including the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati.
He has been lodged at Sunaria jail since his conviction in 2017.
Earlier Parole and Furlough Releases
Ram Rahim’s temporary releases have varied in duration. Reports note that his releases have included short periods of hours as well as furloughs and paroles lasting 21, 30, 40 and even 50 days.
Earlier in 2026, he was granted a 40-day parole in January, followed by a 30-day parole in May. He returned to jail in June after completing the latter period. The current 21-day furlough is therefore his latest temporary release.
Repeated Releases Remain a Subject of Debate
The repeated parole and furlough granted to Ram Rahim have remained a subject of public scrutiny for several years. Critics have questioned the frequency of the temporary releases, while prison authorities have maintained that such relief is governed by applicable rules and procedures.
His latest release is expected to keep the debate alive, particularly because it marks the 17th time he has been temporarily released since 2020 while continuing to serve sentences in serious criminal cases.
