Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu surrendered at the Jodhpur Central Jail on Thursday, following the Rajasthan High Court's decision a day earlier to cancel his interim bail while reaffirming his life sentence for the rape of a minor.
Asaram arrived in Jodhpur in the afternoon and was met by a crowd of supporters outside the airport around 2:50pm as news of his arrival spread. The controversial figure acknowledged his supporters from his vehicle before proceeding to his ashram in Pal village, located on the city's outskirts. Shortly thereafter, he was taken to AIIMS Jodhpur for a medical examination. He surrendered to authorities at the Central Jail around 5pm.
High Court Ruling
The high court's division bench comprising Justice Arun Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit on Wednesday upheld the life imprisonment previously awarded to Asaram by a trial court for the sexual assault of a minor. The bench also revoked his interim bail and directed law enforcement to issue an immediate arrest warrant against him.
At the time of the court ruling, Asaram was in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, but swiftly left for Delhi after learning of the arrest warrant. His supporters reported that Asaram's health declined during his road journey, prompting a brief hospitalisation for medical evaluation at AIIMS Jodhpur.
Court's Observations
The court's ruling highlighted the vulnerability of the survivor and her family, who had placed their complete faith in Asaram. In the judgment, it was noted: “She came to him not as a stranger, but as a disciple. She came with folded hands, not knowing that the very sanctum she sought refuge in became a predator’s lair.”
Furthermore, the bench commended the survivor's bravery, stating that it required “a lot of self-persuasion and courage” for her to come forward against such a powerful individual.
Acquittal of Co-Accused
The court acquitted two co-accused in the case, hostel warden Shilpi and Gurukul director Sharad Chandra, due to a lack of conclusive evidence connecting them to any criminal conspiracy.
Asaram's surrender marks a significant development in the long-running legal saga, which has drawn widespread attention across India. The case underscores the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault, particularly when the accused holds considerable influence.
