Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Ram Rahim’s 21-Day Furlough Draws Sikh Leaders’ Criticism
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, was allowed to leave prison for 21 days.
He is serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted of raping two disciples.
This was his 17th release since he was convicted in 2017.
It was also his third release this year.
Sikh religious leaders strongly criticized the decision.
They said people convicted of serious crimes should not be released so often.
They compared this with Sikh prisoners who have completed their sentences but remain in jail.
One Sikh prisoner, Jagtar Singh Hawara, has also not received parole to visit his sick mother.
Sikh groups are campaigning for the release or parole of these prisoners.
Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh left Sunaria jail on a 21-day furlough Tuesday.
The rape convict is serving a 20-year sentence for raping two disciples.
This was his 17th release since his conviction in August 2017 and his third release this year.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj criticized frequent releases of prisoners convicted of heinous crimes.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee said Sikh prisoners who completed their sentences remain unreleased.
- Who
- Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief; Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj; and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee representatives.
- What
- Ram Rahim Singh was granted a 21-day furlough, prompting criticism from Sikh leaders and organizations.
- When
- Tuesday; the report also states this was his third release of the year.
- Where
- Sunaria jail in Rohtak, Haryana.
- Why
- The stated reason for the furlough was not provided; critics objected to the release while Sikh prisoners who completed their sentences remain jailed.
- Prisoner
- Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
- Furlough length
- 21 days
- Sentence
- 20 years for raping two disciples
- Conviction
- August 2017
- Releases since conviction
- 17
- Releases this year
- Three, including 30- and 40-day paroles in May and January
- Main criticism
- Sikh leaders said Sikh prisoners who completed their sentences remain unreleased.