Journalism of Courage
Spiritual guru Asaram Bapu was served a notice to appear before the investigating officer in Jodhpur by August 30 in connection with the sexual assault charges levelled against him by an Uttar Pradesh-based minor. The notice,issued by investigating officer Assistant Commissioner of Police Chanchal Mishras office,was sent to his Ahmedabad ashram,but since Asaram was not available there,it could not be delivered to him personally.
Asaram Bapu should be hanged,demands Gurudas Dasgupta
Asaram reportedly left for Indore late on Saturday night to evade the interrogation and is said to be consulting his legal aides to deal with the notice. Sources in Jodhpur Police said a team is likely to head to Indore to keep a close watch on Asarams moves.
Notices were also served to the hostel warden and the manager of the gurukul in Chhindwara,Madhya Pradesh,and the attendant at Manai ashram in Jodhpur who was with Asaram on August 15,to appear for a joint interrogation when Asaram comes to Jodhpur. The victim and her family too have been called in for the joint interrogation.
Uma Bharti defends Asaram,says rape charge against him may be politically motivated
Deputy Commissioner of Police,Jodhpur,Ajay Pal Lamba told the Indian Express,We have issued a notice to Asaram Bapu to appear for interrogation in Jodhpur by August 30. While the victims statements have been verified and it has been established that there was no conspiracy to malign Asarams image,it is now the turn of the accused to put forward his defence. If he fails to appear by the given date,appropriate legal action will be taken.
Meanwhile,local activists and representatives of the Peoples Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) held demonstrations outside the state Legislative Assembly on the first day of the Monsoon Session on Monday demanding Asarams arrest at the earliest.
Spiritual leader Asaram Bapu booked for alleged sexual assault
The protesters demanded security cover for the victim and sought the withdrawal of security guards given to Asaram.
The protesters also requested Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to call up the UP CM and ensure protection for the victim.
Schoolchildren in Udaipur too staged demonstrations seeking speedy justice for the victim and the arrest of the accused.
Victim,brother get TC from ASARAMS gurukul
BHOPAL: The minor girl who accused Asaram Bapu of sexual abuse was Monday given a transfer certificate (TC) by the controversial preachers gurukul in Chhindwara,where she was studying. Her younger brother was also given a TC by the gurukul management. A gurukul functionary who answered the phone of the principal,Vivek Sharma,said the victims parents had sought TCs for their children. He said the parents had given an application and denied that they had been pressurised to leave the institution.
