Convicted Dera Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Gets 21-Day Furlough, 17th Exit Since 2017
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the chief of Dera Sacha Sauda who is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples, has been granted a 21-day furlough. Sources confirmed the development on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
According to prison officials, Ram Rahim will spend the furlough period at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa, Haryana. This marks the 17th time he has been allowed to leave prison since his conviction in August 2017.
The Dera chief is currently lodged at the Sunaria jail in Haryana's Rohtak district. In May 2026, he was granted a 30-day parole, and earlier in January 2026, he received a 40-day parole. These frequent releases have drawn attention to the state's prison policies and the legal provisions governing temporary leave for convicts.
Furlough and parole are distinct legal mechanisms under Indian prison rules. Furlough is typically granted to allow a prisoner to maintain family and social ties, while parole is often given for specific emergencies or personal reasons. Both are considered a right of prisoners under certain conditions, subject to good conduct and other eligibility criteria.
Ram Rahim was convicted in August 2017 by a special CBI court in Panchkula for raping two women disciples. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The conviction triggered widespread violence in parts of Haryana and Punjab, leading to several deaths and injuries.
Over the years, the Dera chief has also faced charges in other cases, including criminal conspiracy and murder. In 2019, he was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in the Ranjit Singh murder case, though he continues to serve the rape sentence concurrently.
His repeated paroles and furloughs have been a subject of public debate, with critics questioning the frequency and the potential security risks. Supporters, however, maintain that such releases are part of the legal system and apply equally to all convicts.
The Haryana government has not issued an official statement explaining the latest furlough. However, officials from the prison department confirmed that the order was issued following due process, and Ram Rahim's conduct in jail was taken into account.
This latest release comes amid ongoing political and social scrutiny. Dera Sacha Sauda has a significant following in parts of North India, and the sect's influence in regional politics has often been noted. The periodic furloughs have therefore been watched closely by both supporters and critics.
As per prison records, Ram Rahim has availed of multiple short-term releases since his conviction. The cumulative duration of his time outside jail is substantial, prompting questions about the implementation of the law in his case. Yet, prison authorities maintain that all decisions are made in compliance with existing legal guidelines.
The case remains a touchstone for debates on justice, prisoner rights, and the intersection of religious influence with the criminal justice system. As Ram Rahim steps out for the 21-day furlough, the public discourse continues to weigh the balance between legal entitlements and societal expectations.
