Controversial Parole: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's Temporary Freedom

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, convicted for rape and murder, has been granted a 40-day parole. He will stay at his sect's Sirsa headquarters. Singh, serving a 20-year sentence, has been out of prison on furloughs multiple times, raising criticism from Sikh organizations.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda and a convict serving a 20-year jail sentence for crimes including rape and murder, has temporarily left Sunaria prison in Haryana's Rohtak after being granted a 40-day parole.

The parole will see Singh residing at his sect's headquarters in Sirsa, as confirmed by Dera spokesperson and advocate Jitender Khurana. Singh, who was convicted in 2017 for raping two disciples, faced additional convictions in 2019 for the murder of a journalist.

Singh's series of paroles and furloughs have led to criticisms from various Sikh organizations. Despite his ongoing legal troubles, Singh maintains a substantial following, particularly in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

(With inputs from agencies.)