Dera Chief Granted 15th Parole
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, was granted a 40-day parole on January 5, 2026. This marks the 15th time Singh has been temporarily released from prison since his conviction in 2017. He is currently serving a 20-year jail term for the rape of two female disciples and a life sentence for the murder of a journalist. Singh departed from Sunaria jail in Rohtak, Haryana, and is expected to spend his parole period at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa.
Legal History and Convictions
Singh's incarceration began in August 2017 when a special CBI court in Panchkula found him guilty of sexually assaulting two Dera sadhvis (female followers), leading to a 20-year prison sentence. In January 2019, he and three others were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who had reported on the rape charges against Singh. While he was also initially convicted in 2021 for the murder of Dera manager Ranjit Singh, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted him and four others in that case in May 2024.
Frequent Releases Draw Criticism
The frequent paroles and furloughs granted to Singh have consistently drawn criticism from various quarters, including victim's families and political opposition. Since 2017, Singh has spent a significant amount of time outside prison, with reports indicating he has been out for over 400 days in total across his various temporary releases. Critics argue that these repeated releases undermine the judicial process and raise questions about 'favouritism or arbitrariness' in the application of parole rules. However, Dera spokespersons and government officials have maintained that these releases are granted 'as per the rules' and are a legal right for inmates.
Parole Details and Purpose
The current 40-day parole was reportedly granted to allow Singh to attend the January 25 birth anniversary celebrations of Shah Satnam Singh, the Dera's second head. During his parole, Singh will reside at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa. His previous paroles have seen him stay at various locations, including the Dera's ashram in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district. While on parole, Singh has often interacted with followers via virtual platforms, despite rules prohibiting his participation in large gatherings.
6 Comments
Kyle Broflovski
His followers need his guidance; this is important for their spiritual well-being.
Stan Marsh
It's understandable that his followers want to see their leader, but the repeated paroles for such serious convictions make one question the equal application of the law.
Kyle Broflovski
He may be attending a religious event, but the consistent pattern of his temporary freedom, despite severe convictions, is a point of valid contention for many who seek stricter enforcement.
Stan Marsh
The legal system is simply following its own rules. No favoritism here.
Eric Cartman
Everyone deserves a chance to reform and reconnect. It's a fundamental right.
Loubianka
Fifteen times? This isn't parole, it's a paid vacation for a convicted criminal.