Key Points:
- Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, convicted for rape and murder, released from Haryana’s Sunaria jail on a 40-day parole his third in 2025 and 14th since his sentencing in 2017.
- Parole granted just before August 15, which marks both Independence Day and his birthday.
- Unlike previous paroles this year, Ram Rahim may stay at Dera Sacha Sauda’s Sirsa ashram in Haryana, not just the Barnawa ashram in Uttar Pradesh.
- Ram Rahim’s convictions for rape (2017) and murder (2019) led to deadly riots and over 40 fatalities. He is serving a 20-year term for rape and a life sentence for murder.
- Critics including the son of murdered journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati have voiced strong opposition to repeated paroles; debates rage over possible political motives amid upcoming elections.
New Delhi: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, controversial chief of Dera Sacha Sauda, has been released on a 40-day parole from Rohtak’s Sunaria jail his third release in 2025, and the 14th instance since he began serving sentences for heinous crimes. His fresh parole comes just days before Independence Day and his birthday, with authorities this time permitting him to visit the Dera headquarters in Sirsa, Haryana. In previous leaves, his movements were more restricted, such as being allowed only to the Baghpat (UP) ashram early this year.
History of Convictions and Consequent Violence
Ram Rahim’s history with the law is stark:
- 2017: Convicted for raping two female followers and handed a 20-year prison sentence.
- 2017 Aftermath: His conviction triggered massive, violent riots in Panchkula and Sirsa, resulting in at least 40 deaths and hundreds injured.
- 2019: Found guilty in the murder of journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati sentenced to life imprisonment.
Controversy over Repeated Releases
His parole record has drawn sharp criticism from victims’ families and rights activists. Anshul Chhatrapati, son of the murdered journalist, has repeatedly contested every parole approval, noting that even the Punjab and Haryana High Court denied similar parole requests in the past on grounds such as attending weddings.
Political Cloud Over Parole Decisions
The frequency and timing of Ram Rahim’s paroles have ignited heated political debate. Opposition leaders allege that such releases are aimed at mobilizing votes and influencing crucial elections, especially since his “godman” status brings significant numbers of devoted followers. Meanwhile, his supporters point to spiritual duties and public welfare as reasons for parole.
This fresh parole, coming right before the Independence Day and several state elections, has only fueled further suspicion regarding judicial favoritism and political calculation.
The issue, now in the national spotlight again, raises questions about the intersection between criminal justice, politics, and the influence wielded by charismatic leaders in India.
