Chargesheet filed against Asaram Bapu

The Jodhpur police have filed the chargesheet against self-styled godman Asaram Bapu  on Wednesday for raping a minor girl.

He was arrested for more than two months ago following the complaint in the sexual assault case.

Police has filed the 1,011-page charge sheet, comprising 121 documents and statements of 58 witnesses, in the District and Sessions Court. Asaram and four other co-accused — Shilpi, Shiva, Prakash and Sharad Chandra were also present there.

The key charges against Asaram and other accused are:

• 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

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.

Asaram, who was given extension of judicial custody till November 16, denies the allegations and said the chargesheet was fabricated.

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

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