Daijiworld Media Network – Jodhpur
Jodhpur, May 29: Self-styled godman Asaram surrendered before authorities at the Jodhpur Central Jail on Thursday evening, a day after the Rajasthan High Court cancelled his interim bail while upholding his life imprisonment in the 2013 minor rape case.
His arrival in Jodhpur triggered large gatherings of supporters near the airport, where followers waited to catch a glimpse of the controversial spiritual leader. Asaram greeted supporters and offered blessings from inside his vehicle before heading to his ashram at Pal village.
After spending some time at the ashram, he visited AIIMS Jodhpur for a medical examination and later surrendered before jail authorities.
The Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday dismissed Asaram’s appeal and revoked the interim bail that had been extended till July 7. The court upheld the life sentence awarded by the trial court in the sensational rape case involving a minor devotee.
At the time of the verdict, Asaram had been staying in Haridwar after being granted interim bail on medical grounds since October last year.
His legal counsel stated that the defence team is examining the High Court order and may move the Supreme Court challenging the verdict.
The division bench comprising Justice Arun Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit delivered detailed observations while affirming the conviction. The court strongly commented on the emotional and psychological trauma suffered by the survivor.
The bench observed that while the nation celebrated Independence Day on August 15, 2013, the survivor’s “freedom, dignity and innocence” were allegedly destroyed by a man she treated as a spiritual figure.
The court also remarked on the blind faith often placed in religious leaders, stating that devotees tend to unquestioningly follow even irrational or superstitious instructions given by spiritual gurus.
However, while upholding the life imprisonment sentence, the High Court acquitted Asaram of charges related to gang rape and gang penetrative sexual assault under provisions of the IPC and POCSO Act.
Asaram was convicted in 2018 for raping a minor girl at his ashram near Jodhpur in 2013.