Indian Spiritual Guru Jailed for Murder Set Free

An Indian spiritual leader, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is serving a life sentence for murder and rape, has once again been released from prison on parole.

Singh, a flashy preacher with millions of followers, was released from a high security prison in the northern Indian state of Haryana in early January under a state law that rewards “good behavior.” This is the 15th time he has been allowed out of prison since his conviction, and he has now spent more than 400 days outside jail despite his life sentence.

This has sparked anger among victims’ families and renewed debate about justice, politics and the power of religious leaders in India.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is the head of a spiritual group known as Dera Sacha Sauda, founded in 1948 in Sirsa, Haryana. The group was created as a refuge for people affected by the violence and displacement that followed the 1947 partition of British India.

Born in 1967 in Rajasthan to a Sikh family, Singh became involved with the Dera at a young age. According to the group, he was named successor in 1990 at just 23 years old. Under his leadership, the Dera grew into a powerful and wealthy organisation, reportedly worth about 14.5 billion rupees ($161 million) by 2017.

Singh is not only a spiritual leader but also a media personality. He has produced and starred in films like “Messenger of God,” where he portrays himself as a superhero, and released many music videos, including the popular song “Love Charger.”

In August 2017, Singh was sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping two of his female followers in a case dating back to 1999. The verdict triggered violent riots by his supporters across Punjab and Haryana. More than 30 people were killed as mobs burned vehicles and attacked journalists.

Two years later, in 2019, Singh was convicted of orchestrating the 2002 murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who had exposed allegations of sexual abuse within the Dera. Singh received a life sentence, along with two of his aides.

For the journalist’s son, Anshul Chhatrapati, the conviction was emotional after years of struggle.

“People say that justice delayed is justice denied. There was a delay in this, but when we got justice, it was a very emotional moment for us,” he said.
“And it was a matter of great joy … that at least, even if late, we got it.”

Singh’s release was granted under Haryana’s parole rules, which allow inmates to leave prison temporarily for good behavior. The Dera insists the parole is legal and not special treatment.

In a statement to CNN, the group said Singh was entitled to parole like other prisoners and that it was not granted as a “special favour or indulgence.”

However, Singh’s frequent releases have raised concerns, especially because many of them have coincided with important state elections or major Dera events. His current parole aligns with celebrations marking the incarnation month of the group’s second guru.

The Haryana government has defended the policy, describing parole as a “rehabilitation tool” that helps prisoners “maintain their links with society.”

The repeated releases have deeply upset victims’ families. Anshul Chhatrapati said every parole reopens old wounds.

“All the victim families… we feel a lot of pain when it happens,” he said.
“Like a wound has been reopened.”

Activist Sudesh Kumari, who supported victims of sexual abuse within the Dera, described Singh as a powerful figure who ruled through fear.

“He says that ‘I am everything. I am god. You should do what I say,’” she recalled.
“He is a very powerful person.”

She added that speaking out came with threats.

“There was complete terror here,” she said.
“There was no hope that he would be punished.”

India has a long history of charismatic spiritual leaders, often called “godmen” or “godwomen.” Experts say poverty, rigid social structures and weak state support push many people toward gurus who offer community, dignity and hope.

Raphael Aron, director of Cult Consulting Australia, explained that these leaders grow quickly once they gain followers.

“There is a certain charisma about (the gurus). They know how to work the crowd,” he said.

Many gurus also gain political influence by delivering large numbers of loyal voters. In return, critics say, politicians offer protection.

Professor Ronki Ram, who has studied Singh and the Dera, said such groups can turn social welfare into strong political power.

Although Singh’s lawyer denies any political motive behind the paroles, critics remain sceptical.

Since his release, Singh has returned to producing music and religious content. He has released over 20 new songs on YouTube, including “Drugs,” which promotes staying away from intoxicants, and “Charge Me,” a prayer for divine guidance.

Supportive messages continue to flood his comment sections.

Singh’s current parole ends on February 12, but many fear he could be released again before the year ends.

Source: CNN