Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Granted 30-Day Parole Again, Marks 16th Release Since Conviction
Self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been released on a 30-day parole, marking the 16th time he has received temporary release since his conviction in multiple criminal cases.
The Dera Sacha Sauda chief walked out of jail after authorities approved his parole request, once again drawing public and political attention over the frequency of his temporary releases.
Ram Rahim is currently serving prison sentences after being convicted in rape cases involving two former followers. He has also faced legal proceedings in other serious criminal matters linked to the Dera.
In a major development earlier this year, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acquitted him in the murder case of journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati. Chhatrapati was allegedly targeted after publishing articles critical of the Dera chief in his newspaper.
The acquittal sparked widespread debate, with supporters welcoming the decision while critics questioned the repeated parole approvals granted to the controversial religious leader.
Ram Rahim’s releases over the years have often triggered political reactions, especially in poll-bound states where the Dera is believed to have a significant follower base. Authorities, however, maintain that parole decisions are taken according to legal provisions and prison rules.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
