Controversial Parole: Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's Temporary Release Sparks Debate

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, jailed for rape, was granted 40-day parole. While staying at the Dera, Singh appealed to his followers to avoid visiting. His multiple paroles have ignited controversy among Sikh organizations, who criticize the preferential treatment compared to 'Bandi Singhs', who remain imprisoned.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was released on a 40-day parole on Tuesday, leaving Sunaria prison in Haryana's Rohtak where he is serving a 20-year sentence for raping two of his disciples.

Singh will reside at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa, as confirmed by Dera spokesperson and advocate Jitender Khurana. Upon arrival, Singh urged followers via video message to respect the sect elders' instructions and refrain from visiting.

His repeated paroles have stirred criticism from Sikh organizations, including the SGPC, which voiced concerns over the disparity in judicial treatment compared to Sikh prisoners, referred to as 'Bandi Singhs', who remain incarcerated post-sentence completion.