The Jodhpur police who was in charge of the case arrested Asaram from Indore and brought to Jodhpur central jail.
The verdict in the rape case of a minor by the self-styled Godman Asaram will be pronounced shortly today. The Jodhpur Special Court today, held Asaram and two other accused guilty of the rape. Asaram was arrested in 2013 and following the complaint filed by a 16-year-old girl from Shahajahanpur of Uttar Pradesh accusing him of raping her.
Over the period of five years, nine witnesses faced attacks. Three of them died in the attacks in the case including one prime witness who was shot dead by some bikers. Another witness was stabbed outside the court premises.
While Asaram has been convicted, the quantum of punishment will be announced shortly. Here’s the timeline of the case so far:
August 15, 2013: A 16-year-old girl from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh filed a complaint against Asaram alleging sexual assault by him in one of his ashram on the outskirts of Jodhpur. He was charged under section 8 of the POCSO and SC/ST Prevention of atrocities act.
September 1, 2013: The Jodhpur police who was in charge of the case arrested Asaram from Indore and brought to Jodhpur central jail. He has been under judicial custody since.
November 6, 2013: Jodhpur Police filed chargesheet against Asaram and four other accused. He was charged with wrongful confinement and rape of 16 years old.
February 12, 2015: Rahul Sachan who was supposed to testify in the case was stabbed outside the local court.
July 8, 2015: Another witness Sudha Pathak turned hostile.
July 12, 2015: The Prime Witness shot dead by the two bikers
Even in Gujarat, Asaram and his son Narayan Sai have been accused of rape in a complaint filed by two sisters. In the last four years, Asaram applied for bail 12 times. However, the trial court rejected the bail application 6 times. While Rajasthan High Court and Supreme Court rejected the bail application thrice each.
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