Rohtak, Jan. 5 -- Rape convict and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was released from Sunaria jail in Rohtak on Monday after being granted a 40-day parole, officials said.

This is not the first instance of parole granted to the self-styled godman, whose temporary releases in the past have drawn political criticism and security concerns,

In the month of August, Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been granted a 40-day parole, his counsel, Advocate Jatinder Khurana.

Speaking to ANI, Khurana stated, "Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been given a 40-day parole under the law. Every convict has the right to avail a 70-day parole and a 21-day furlough in a year. During this parole period, he will stay at his ashram in Sirsa...