Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has once again walked out of prison after being granted a 21-day furlough. The latest temporary release took place on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from Sunaria jail in Rohtak, Haryanamarking his 17th parole or furlough release since 2020.
Ram Rahim reportedly left the high-security prison at around 6:05 a.m. amid tight security arrangements. During the latest period of temporary release, he is expected to stay at the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa.
Why Is Ram Rahim In Jail?
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2017 for the rape of two women disciples. A special CBI court in Panchkula awarded him 10 years of imprisonment in each case, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively.
The Dera chief was subsequently convicted in separate murder cases involving former Dera manager Ranjit Singh and journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati. However, reports note that the Punjab and Haryana High Court later acquitted him in those murder cases. His current imprisonment continues to stem from the two rape convictions.
17th Temporary Release Since 2020
The latest Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh furlough is significant because it is his 17th temporary release since 2020. His release history has included both parole and furlough periods of varying lengths.
His first temporary release during this period came in October 2020, followed by several releases in subsequent years. These included periods of 21, 30, 40 and 50 days, with January 2024 reportedly bringing his longest temporary release of 50 days.
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In 2026, Ram Rahim had already received a 40-day parole in January and a 30-day parole in May before receiving the latest 21-day furlough. He returned to Sunaria jail on June 26 after completing the previous parole period.
Latest Release From Sunaria Jail, Rohtak
The Sunaria Jail, Rohtak facility has become closely associated with Ram Rahim’s imprisonment since his conviction in 2017. On Tuesday morning, he emerged from the jail under security arrangements and left for Sirsa.
Reports said that his latest temporary release allows him to stay at the Dera headquarters. This follows previous temporary releases during which he was permitted to stay at the Dera’s Barnawa ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.
The repeated movement of the high-profile prisoner between the correctional facility and permitted locations has attracted considerable public and media attention.
What Is A Furlough?
A furlough is a form of temporary release available to eligible prisoners under applicable prison rules. It is different from a permanent release and does not cancel or remove the underlying conviction or sentence.
Reports on Haryana’s prison framework state that eligible prisoners may receive furlough subject to prescribed conditions, eligibility requirements and approval from the competent authority. The latest release therefore represents a temporary period outside prison rather than the end of Ram Rahim’s sentence.
Why Ram Rahim’s Releases Attract Attention
The frequency of Ram Rahim’s temporary releases has repeatedly generated public discussion. His large following through Dera Sacha Saudacombined with his high-profile criminal convictions, makes every parole or furlough decision closely watched.
The latest 21-day release has again prompted attention toward the rules governing temporary releases of convicted prisoners and the process through which such permissions are granted. Reports have noted that his previous releases have also attracted scrutiny because of their frequency and timing.
Ram Rahim’s 2026 Release Timeline
The year 2026 has already seen multiple temporary releases for the Dera chief. He received a 40-day parole in January, followed by a 30-day parole in May. After returning to Sunaria jail in June, he has now been granted another 21-day temporary release in August.
With the latest order, his total number of parole or furlough releases since 2020 has reached 17, according to multiple reports.
What Happens During The 21-Day Furlough?
During this 21-day furloughRam Rahim is expected to remain at the permitted Dera location in Sirsa and comply with the conditions attached to his temporary release. Furlough does not mean that his conviction has been overturned or that his prison sentence has ended.
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Once the approved period concludes, he is expected to return to prison in accordance with the conditions of the release order.
Conclusion
The latest Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh furlough has once again placed the Dera Sacha Sauda chief in the national spotlight. His departure from Sunaria jail in Rohtak, Haryanaon a 21-day furlough marks his 17th temporary release since 2020.
While the release is temporary and governed by applicable prison rules, the frequency of Ram Rahim’s parole and furlough periods continues to attract considerable public interest. His latest movement to the Dera headquarters in Sirsa is expected to remain a closely followed development throughout the 21-day period.