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Summary:

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, convicted in 2017 for raping two disciples and also implicated in a murder case, has been granted another 40-day parole. This is his 14th time out of prison since his conviction and comes shortly after a previous parole in August 2025. His releases have often coincided with upcoming elections in Haryana and Punjab, drawing criticism from Sikh organizations. Singh typically spends his parole at the Dera’s ashram in Uttar Pradesh. The Dera Sacha Sauda has a significant following in several states, particularly in Haryana.

News Article:

Controversial Dera Chief Granted Another Parole Ahead of Elections

Chandigarh, India – January 4, 2026 – Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the controversial head of Dera Sacha Sauda currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and implicated in a murder case, has been granted a 40-day parole, sparking renewed criticism and raising questions about the timing of his release.

This marks the 14th time Singh has been released from Sunaria jail in Haryana since his conviction in 2017 for raping two of his disciples. Sources confirmed the parole on Sunday. Notably, Singh was previously granted a 40-day parole in August of last year.

The timing of Singh’s releases has often been met with scrutiny, particularly because they often coincide with elections in Haryana and Punjab. He was also granted furlough or parole ahead of Delhi assembly elections in 2024, Haryana Assembly polls in 2024, and Punjab assembly elections in 2022.

The pattern has drawn sharp criticism from Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, who have previously questioned the rationale behind granting repeated relief to a convicted criminal.

During previous paroles, Singh has typically stayed at the Dera Sacha Sauda’s ashram in Bagpat district, Uttar Pradesh. The Dera Sacha Sauda commands a significant following across Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and other states, with a particularly strong base in several districts of Haryana, including Sirsa, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Hisar.

The frequent releases of Singh continue to fuel debate regarding the fairness and appropriateness of the parole system, especially in cases involving serious crimes and politically sensitive figures.

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