Convicted Rapist Ram Rahim Granted 14th Parole in 8 Years

Out of Jail, Yet Again
Rohtak, Haryana: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the jailed head of Dera Sacha Sauda who is serving a 20-year sentence for the rape of two female disciples, has been granted a 40-day parole – his 14th such release in just eight years. The 57-year-old walked out of Rohtak’s Sunaria jail early Tuesday morning and will reside at his sect's headquarters in Sirsa until his scheduled return on 14 September.

Earlier this year, he was also released for 30 days in January, just ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections. Notably, he received another 20-day parole in October 2023, days before the Haryana Assembly polls.

Political Timing and Public Outrage
Ram Rahim’s repeated paroles, many of which have coincided with elections or politically significant periods, have fuelled public and political outrage. Critics argue that his releases serve as political leverage, pointing to his influence over a large vote bank, particularly in parts of Haryana and Punjab.

Convicted in 2017, Ram Rahim has spent more time outside prison on various paroles and furloughs than many other convicts serving similar sentences. Victims’ rights groups and legal experts have raised concerns about the apparent leniency being shown to a man found guilty of heinous crimes.

While officials insist that all paroles are granted in accordance with prison rules, the frequency and timing of Ram Rahim’s releases continue to raise serious questions about the misuse of parole provisions in politically sensitive cases.