Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, has returned to prison after his 40-day parole ended on Sunday evening. He was escorted back to Sunaria Jail in Rohtak, Haryana, under police protection, after spending the duration of his parole at the sect's headquarters in Sirsa. This release marked the 15th time since his conviction in 2017 for the rapes of two disciples and the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati that he has been permitted to leave prison temporarily.

Since his conviction, Ram Rahim has frequently been granted parole and furlough, raising questions about the judicial process and the influence he wields within his sect and among his followers. His most recent parole was granted on January 5, 2026, and there has been ongoing speculation regarding the timing of his releases, particularly due to their proximity to political events, including local elections. His previous releases have sparked debates about the ethical implications of granting parole to individuals convicted of serious crimes.

The situation around Ram Rahim's repeated paroles has not only brought scrutiny to the legal safeguards in place but has also highlighted the broader implications of his influence on societal norms in regions where his sect has a significant following. The timing of his release has raised concerns among critics who view it as potentially aimed at influencing electoral outcomes in his favor. As such, this phenomenon reflects a complex interaction between crime, justice, and politics in India's socio-religious landscape.