Asaram Bapu Allegedly Attacked Minor

ASSAULT // India’s self-styled godman Asaram Bapu managed to land himself in yet another controversy when a 16-year-old girl student of his gurukul alleged that he sexually assaulted her at his Jodhpur ashram in Rajasthan early in September. The godman had purportedly threatened to eliminate the victim’s parents if she revealed the incident to anyone. A zero FIR accusing the spiritual leader of rape (as defined under the new definition), molestation, illegal confinement, criminal intimidation and acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman under the IPC and sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and certain offences under the Juvenile Justice Act was registered. The judicial custody of self-styled godman Asaram has been extended for another 14 days in the sexual assault case against him. Asaram will have to stay in jail as the hearing on his bail plea has also been adjourned. The hearing on his bail plea will be argued by lawyer Ram Jethmalani. In mid-September a lower court had rejected the bail of 72-year-old Asaram.