15th time out of jail: Rape and murder convict Ram Rahim granted fresh 40-day parole

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is serving sentences in rape and murder cases, has once again been granted a 40-day parole, officials said on Saturday. The parole was approved by the Rohtak Divisional Commissioner, and the controversial godman is likely to be released from jail either on Sunday or Monday.

This marks the 15th time Ram Rahim has walked out of prison on parole or furlough since his conviction in 2017, a fact that has repeatedly drawn sharp political reactions and public criticism. His previous 40-day parole was granted in August 2025, which he reportedly used to celebrate his 58th birthday at the Sirsa headquarters of the Dera Sacha Sauda.

Ram Rahim is currently lodged in Rohtak’s Sunaria jail and is serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of raping two of his women followers. The conviction had triggered widespread violence across parts of Haryana and Punjab in 2017, leading to dozens of deaths and large-scale destruction of property.

In addition to the rape cases, Ram Rahim was also convicted of the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who had exposed allegations against the Dera chief. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in the murder case, further cementing his status as one of India’s most high-profile convicts.

Also read: Rape convict Ram Rahim walks out of jail again, this time for 40 days

 Despite the gravity of the crimes, Ram Rahim has frequently been granted parole or furlough over the years, often coinciding with elections or major religious events, prompting allegations of political patronage. Opposition parties and civil rights activists have repeatedly questioned the rationale behind the repeated temporary releases, arguing that such leniency undermines public faith in the criminal justice system.

Authorities have said that Ram Rahim will remain under prescribed conditions during the parole period. However, details of restrictions on public interaction or movement have not been officially disclosed yet.

The latest parole is once again expected to reignite debate over the discretionary use of parole powers and the apparent contrast between Ram Rahim’s repeated releases and the treatment of ordinary prisoners convicted of serious offences.