Rohtak (Balwinder Singh): Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, serving a 20-year prison sentence in a rape case, was released from Haryana’s Sunaria jail on Tuesday after authorities approved a 30-day parole.
The controversial Dera leader exited the Rohtak prison complex early in the morning at around 6:35 am, accompanied by tight security arrangements. He was escorted out in a convoy as police personnel monitored the area to maintain order.
This is another temporary release for Ram Rahim since his conviction in 2017 by a special CBI court in Panchkula for sexually assaulting two women followers. Since being jailed, he has repeatedly secured parole and furlough, drawing criticism and political debate over the frequency of these permissions.
Officials confirmed that this is the 16th occasion on which the Dera chief has been granted temporary release from custody after his sentencing.
Earlier this year, he was allowed a 40-day parole in January, during which he stayed at the Dera’s ashram in Uttar Pradesh and continued to communicate with followers through virtual platforms.
His releases often attract attention due to the large support base he continues to enjoy in parts of Haryana, Punjab and neighbouring states.
Security agencies remained on alert around the prison premises and along his travel route to avoid any disturbance as followers gathered in anticipation of his release.
Ram Rahim remains lodged in jail in connection with multiple convictions, including the high-profile rape case that led to widespread unrest following the verdict in 2017. Despite his imprisonment, he has periodically obtained temporary release under parole and furlough provisions permitted by prison regulations.
