Chandigarh, 26 May (H.S.) Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Sirsa-based Dera chief serving a life sentence in connection with the rape of sadhvis and the murder of a journalist, has once again been granted parole. Ram Rahim was released from Rohtak’s Sunaria jail on Tuesday morning for a 30-day parole period. This is his 16th parole/furlough so far.

This is also his second parole of the year. Earlier, he was granted parole in January. According to officials, Ram Rahim walked out of Sunaria jail around 6:30 am on Tuesday. Heavy police deployment was seen outside the jail during his release.

Security has also been tightened in Sirsa, where the district administration remains on alert. However, the Dera committee has stated that it currently has no official information regarding the matter.

According to reports, Ram Rahim is serving a 20-year sentence in the sadhvi sexual assault case and is lodged at Sunaria jail in Rohtak.

Earlier on January 5, he had been granted a 40-day parole during Shah Satnam Day celebrations and had stayed at the Sirsa Dera headquarters. On previous paroles, he had also stayed at the Dera ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. After arriving in Sirsa during earlier paroles, Ram Rahim had issued a video message to his followers, urging them to follow the instructions issued by Dera officials.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH