Charges framed against Asaram Bapu

The Jodhpur court has framed charges against self-styled godman Asaram Bapu on Friday for raping a minor girl.

He was arrested almost five months five months back following the complaint in the sexual assault case.

The Jodhpur police have submitted charge sheet for the following offences under the Indian Penal Code in November.

• Sections 342 for wrongful confinement,
• Section 376(2)(f) for rape of minor girl,

• Section 376 D for rape,
• Section 354 A for outraging a woman’s modesty
• Section 506 for criminal intimidation
• Section 109 for abetment to an offence

The court will announce the final charges to Asaram on Feb 13.

“Charges will be read out to the accused persons Feb 13,” Asaram’s lawyer said.

The court has also framed charges against four Asaram’s aides in the case including Shilpi, Shiva, Prakash and Sharad.

In her complaint the 16-year-old girl alleged that the 72-year-old Asaram sexually assaulted her inside a room at his ashram near Jodhpur for more than an hour, while her parents were sitting outside performing the “ritual” for her daughter’s well-beings directed by the Ashram.

If he found guilty then, Asaram will get a minimum jail term of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. 

• About the Author

About Sprightly Spirit

“I dare do all that may become a man. Who dares more is none”. And all, may be. It may be the vigor. Or the spirit. Or the courage to avoid being “politically correct” or bent. And, ban all averse with immaculate overture of graciously fathomable words firm in views. Subtle. Justifying the undying conscience. Values. Knowledge. And, dares to stay true. True to own. True to the world. And, to the words. With a dream in eyes it exists. In you. In me. In all. The sprite that never shies away. The spirit that never dies!