Rohtak, September 16 (Daily Kiran) : Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, returned to Sunaria Jail in Rohtak on September 16, 2026, after completing a 21-day furlough. He left the prison at approximately 4:55 PM, following his temporary release that began on August 25.
During his furlough, Ram Rahim stayed at the Dera Sacha Sauda ashram in Sirsa, where followers continued to visit and engage in activities. Due to security concerns, the timing and details of his return were kept confidential. Authorities maintained strict security throughout the process, escorting him back to jail discreetly to prevent any disturbances.
Since being sentenced in 2017, Ram Rahim has been granted furlough or parole 17 times. This latest release marks his third temporary reprieve in 2026, following a 40-day parole in January and a 30-day parole in May.
Ram Rahim is serving a 20-year sentence for raping two female disciples and is also convicted in the murder case of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, for which he received a life sentence. He has been incarcerated at Sunaria Jail since 2017.
The repeated grants of furlough and parole have drawn criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the government of lacking transparency in these decisions. Many groups, including the Akal Takht, the highest authority in Sikhism, have protested against his releases, highlighting the ongoing plight of Sikh prisoners who have been incarcerated for extended periods without similar consideration.
Anshul Chhatrapati, the son of the murdered journalist, expressed his concerns, stating that Ram Rahim’s frequent temporary releases instill a sense of insecurity among the families of victims.
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