Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Granted Another 40-Day Parole Amid Controversy

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's Latest Parole

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of Dera Sacha Sauda, has been granted a 40-day parole once again. According to sources, this information was reported on Sunday. Currently, he is serving a 20-year sentence in Sunaria Jail, Rohtak, for the rape of two of his disciples and the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati.

Rising Frequency of Parole Raises Concerns

The increasing frequency of Ram Rahim's paroles has sparked a new debate. This latest parole comes just months after he was granted a similar 40-day leave last August. Reviewing the past year, he received a 30-day release in January, a 21-day furlough in April, and another 40 days in August. Since his conviction in 2017, this marks the 15th occasion he has been temporarily released from prison.

Criticism from Sikh Organizations

Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, have expressed strong objections to Ram Rahim's repeated releases. They argue that granting parole to a serious offender contradicts the spirit of the law. Critics also point out that his releases often become a focal point in political discussions, especially around elections, given the significant following of Dera Sacha Sauda in states like Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

Impact of Dera Sacha Sauda in Haryana

Particularly in districts such as Sirsa, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, and Hisar in Haryana, the influence of Dera Sacha Sauda is substantial. While the administration claims that paroles are granted in accordance with jail regulations, the repeated nature of these releases has raised questions among legal experts and opposition parties.