Tue Aug 05 04:30:59 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, maintaining the tone and perspective of The Hindu:

**The Hindu: National News**

**Controversial Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Granted Parole Again**

*Chandigarh, August 5, 2025* – Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the jailed chief of Dera Sacha Sauda, has been granted a 40-day parole, marking yet another instance of his release despite his conviction for the rape of two disciples. Sources confirmed the controversial decision earlier today.

Singh, 57, who is serving a 20-year sentence, will reportedly reside at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa for the duration of his parole. This release follows a pattern of temporary reprieves, including a 21-day furlough in April 2025 and a 30-day parole in January 2025, granted prior to the Delhi Assembly elections. He was also granted a 20-day parole on October 1 last year, ahead of the October 5 Haryana Assembly polls.

The timing of these releases has drawn criticism, raising concerns about potential political influence and the perception of preferential treatment for the Dera chief. Critics point to the potential impact on law and order, given the Dera’s significant following in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

While Singh was acquitted in the 2002 murder of Ranjit Singh, the sect’s former manager, the circumstances surrounding his various paroles continue to be a subject of intense public debate. The Dera Sacha Sauda maintains a strong presence in several districts across Haryana, including Sirsa, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Hisar, making any release of its leader a sensitive issue. The repeat paroles raise questions about the justice system and the rights of victims in cases of sexual assault and abuse.

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