The move has triggered public outcry and sparked debate over parole regulations for individuals convicted of serious crimes.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect and a convicted rapist, has been granted a 30-day parole from Sunaria Jail in Haryana's Rohtak district. The decision has stirred controversy and sparked public outcry, given the gravity of his crimes.
Singh walked out of the prison premises at 5 pm, accompanied by his counsel and supporters. During this temporary release, he is expected to travel to the Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram at Barnawa in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat, as confirmed by his advocate, Jitender Khurana, over the phone, according to PTI.
This isn't the first time that the controversial figure has been granted parole. In January and October of the previous year, Singh had previously received 40-day paroles. During these periods, he conducted several online "satsang" sessions from his Barnawa ashram.
The 20-year jail term for the rape of two of his disciples has not deterred Singh from seeking temporary releases to visit his ashram. The warrant for his current parole specifies that he must reside at the Barnawa ashram during the entire period and not visit any other place without prior permission from the district magistrate (DM).
Furthermore, the warrant dictates that Singh must provide full particulars of his residence during parole and keep the DM informed of any changes. He is also required to maintain good behavior and peace throughout his temporary release.
Law enforcement is mandated to closely monitor Singh's activities during parole. The in-charge of the police station responsible for overseeing his conduct will submit regular reports to the jail superintendent through the deputy commissioner of police or superintendent of police.
In addition to the rape conviction, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, along with four others, was found guilty of conspiring to murder a dera manager in 2021. Three years prior, in 2019, he and three others were convicted for the murder of a journalist that took place more than 16 years ago.