Chandigarh, Jan 28 (NationPress) The controversial leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence at Rohtak’s Sunaria jail in Haryana for the rape of two disciples, has been granted parole once again, this time for a duration of 30 days. This marks the 12th parole or furlough he has received in the past four years.

This is the first time since his sentencing in August 2017 that he will spend 10 days at his sect's dera in Sirsa.

Subsequently, he will reside in Bagpath, Uttar Pradesh.

His last parole, which lasted for 20 days, was issued just four days prior to the elections in Haryana on October 5 of the previous year. Throughout nearly two decades, Ram Rahim has garnered the support of various political leaders and parties in both Punjab and Haryana, owing to his considerable influence over the voting patterns of his followers.

Previously, he requested parole to observe the death anniversary of his father, Maghar Singh, on October 5, a day recognized as Parmarthi Diwas.

Before the October request, the Haryana government had approved a 21-day furlough for him in August, which concluded on September 2.

Currently, Ram Rahim is incarcerated in the high-security Sunaria jail, located 250 km from Chandigarh.

Earlier, the High Court denied his plea for parole to attend the wedding of his foster daughters.

This self-proclaimed godman was sentenced to 20 years in prison in August 2017 for the rape of two women.

Additionally, a special CBI court in Panchkula sentenced him and three others to life imprisonment for the murder of a journalist that took place over 16 years ago.

His conviction on August 25, 2017, resulted in widespread violence in Panchkula and Sirsa, leading to the deaths of 41 individuals and injuries to more than 260 others.