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Asaram sent to 14-day jail
Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at his ashram here, was behind bars after he was remanded in 14-day judicial custody by a local court. Wearing a white dhoti and kurta and a red skull cap, the controversial 72-year-old Asaram was produced amid tight security before the district and sessions court where the magistrate Manoj Kumar ordered to send him to judicial custody till September 15.
- Case very strong, we have vital evidences: Police
- Counsel for accused moves application for bail
Jodhpur (PTI): Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at his ashram here, was behind bars after he was remanded in 14-day judicial custody by a local court. Wearing a white dhoti and kurta and a red skull cap, the controversial 72-year-old Asaram was produced amid tight security before the district and sessions court where the magistrate Manoj Kumar ordered to send him to judicial custody till September 15.
The counsel for Asaram, meanwhile, moved an application for bail and hearing on the plea is expected on Tuesday. Asaram was brought to the court in a police bus escorted by a police vehicle. He was remanded in one-day police custody after being grilled for four hours. The religious preacher remained in the court for about 15 minutes before he was taken to Central Jail of Jodhpur near Mohanpura bridge in a convoy of police vehicles.
During the hearing, defence counsel pleaded that proper medical attention and care be given for Asaram in the Jail. To this, the prosecution assured the court that all required assistance will be given. Police said it did not seek extension of police remand as their course of initial investigation and questioning was over.
"Our investigation was complete so we did not seek for extension of the police custody. The accused has cooperated with us," DCP Ajay Lamba told reporters after the hearing "Our case is very strong and we have vital evidences against the accused. We are moving in the right direction. We will file chargesheet in the case soon,” he added.
Asked about reports that Asaram was suffering from a neurological disorder, the DCP said, "It has been proved to be a lie. His son can say what he wants to say. We can't comment on anybody's statement". "A team of doctors said he is perfectly OK. He is mentally and physically fit," Lamba said, adding the accused is also taking food whenever served.
Asaram had cleared a potency test conducted on him . He was also taken to his Manai Ashram, about 30km from Jodhpur, where the girl was allegedly sexually assaulted. Meanwhile, more trouble for Asaram, Gujarat Government is likely to slap a major penalty on him for encroachment of public land by his ashram in Jehangirpura area of the city following a Supreme Court order.
"Action is being taken at government level as per court orders," Surat District Collector J P Shivhare told PTI. The issue relates to 34,400 square metres of unused land. Asaram's ashram had allegedly encroached upon a part of this unused by building a temple and a gaushala (cowshed) on it.
