NO RESPITE FOR ASARAM BAPU JUDICIAL CUSTODY EXTENDED FOR 14 DAYS

JODHPUR: Controversial godman Asaram Bapu,accused of sexually assaulting a minor , will remain in jail with a court on Monday extending his judicial custody by 14 days.

Asaram and his aide Shiva were produced before the court of district and session judge where magistrate Manoj Kumar Vyas extended their judicial custody.

72-year-old Asaram, who was arrested on September 1 for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl, requested the magistrate to allow his doctor to visit him in jail.

However, the magistrate refused to comment on the issue in the absence of the defence counsel.

Bapu’s counsel has a moved bail application in the high court, hearing on which is scheduled today.

Asaram’s arrest followed an FIR filed by the girl alleging she was sexually assaulted by him at his Jodhpur ashram. He has denied the charges.

Meanwhile, counsel for the girl, who was allegedly sexually exploited by Asaram Bapu, claimed to have received threats from followers of the self-styled godman.

Lawyer of the victim, Manish Vyas, claimed that the threat was issued to a friend of the victim’s father asking him to withdraw the statements of her daughter against Asaram.

Referring to an audio clip, Vyas said the girl and her family continue to receive threats from Asaram’s followers.

“I have urged the police to ensure adequate security to the family,” Vyas said.

The girl alleged that the sexual assault took place August 15 at Asaram’s ashram outside Jodhpur. He, however, denied the charges

SOURCE:Agencies (PTI)