Asaram Bapu, currently serving a life sentence for the rape of a minor, has been granted interim bail on medical grounds. The Supreme Court has extended this bail until March 31st, allowing Asaram, who faces charges of sexual misconduct within his own ashram, temporary reprieve due to health concerns.
Now receiving medical care at the Arogya Medical Center in Bhagat Ki Kothi after being moved from Jodhpur Central Jail, Asaram is known to have heart ailments, including a previous heart attack. The Supreme Court has mandated police supervision during his bail.
According to sources, the Supreme Court has set specific conditions for Asaram's bail, one being a prohibition on meeting his followers. Asaram is serving life for the 2013 rape case sentenced by the trial court.
Notably, the victim's sister filed a rape case against Asaram's son, Narayan Sai, resulting in his life imprisonment in April 2019. The FIR against Asaram was lodged in 2013 at the Chandkheda Police Station, Ahmedabad.
In 2013, the heinous deeds of Asaram and his family came to light when a minor accused him of rape. Found guilty by diligent legal scrutiny, the evidence led to the public exposure of his misdemeanors which shocked many.
Shortly after the minor girl's allegations, two sisters accused Asaram and Narayan Sai of rape and other offenses committed between 2001 and 2006. These charges implicated Asaram's wife, Lakshmi, and daughter, Bharti. The cases were filed in Surat and Ahmedabad, demonstrating a pattern of misconduct.
In April 2018, Asaram was found guilty of raping a minor at his Jodhpur Ashram, resulting in a life sentence issued by Jodhpur's court. Following this, in April 2019, Narayan Sai was convicted of rape in Surat, receiving a life sentence and a penalty to be paid to the victim. Asaram's conviction in the Gandhinagar case reiterated his life sentence.
