ROHTAK, HARYANA : The self-styled godman stepped out of the high-security Sunaria jail in Haryana’s Rohtak district around 6:05 AM. Heavy police security escorted his convoy as he departed for his destination. Notably, this development marks his 17th temporary exit—via either parole or furlough—since October 2020.
The recent relief comes less than two months after he returned to jail on June 26. At that time, he completed a 30-day parole granted in May. The recurring pattern of temporary freedom keeps drawing intense media scrutiny and administrative debate.
The 59-year-old sect leader is currently serving a 20-year sentence. A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court convicted him in August 2017 for raping two female disciples. He was also convicted in separate murder cases, including the killing of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati.
Legal Provisions Governing Recurring Releases
The state authorities granted relief under the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act. State officials maintain that all release orders strictly adhere to existing statutory provisions. Under current regulations, eligible convicts may receive specified days of parole and furlough per calendar year.
Prison officials evaluate applications based on prisoner behavior and procedural compliance. Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim granted 21-day temporary release again after completing all administrative clearance checks. Authorities stated that every prisoner possesses rights to request temporary leave under legislative frameworks.
Conversely, opposition leaders and social activists frequently question these routine approvals. Critics argue that recurring leaves undermine judicial sentencing in serious crime cases. Legal experts note that public interest petitions have repeatedly challenged these release orders in regional courts.
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Public Response and Security Protocol
Following his exit, authorities deployed local police along key transit routes to maintain order. The sect chief previously spent his release periods at his Baghpat ashram in Uttar Pradesh or the Sirsa headquarters in Haryana. Devotees often gather online or at local centers during these periods.
Opponents claim that temporary releases frequently align with major regional political events or local elections. However, government representatives consistently deny political influence, insisting that strict legal guidelines dictate all outcomes.
As Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim granted 21-day temporary release again, administrative bodies continue monitoring his movements. Law enforcement remains on alert to prevent traffic disruptions or public gatherings near his designated residence.
Key Data Summary
| Information Metric | Case Details |
| Primary Conviction | Rape of two disciples (20-year sentence) |
| Additional Convictions | Journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati murder case |
| Prison Location | Sunaria Jail, Rohtak, Haryana |
| Current Grant | 21-Day Furlough |
| Total Temporary Releases | 17 times since October 2020 |
| Governing Statute | Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners Act |