Rape case: Asaram Bapu sent to 14-day judicial custody

Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at his ashram here, was behind bars on Monday after he was remanded in 14-day judicial custody by a local court.

Wearing a white dhoti and kurta and a red skull cap, the controversial 72-year-old Asaram was produced amid tight security before the district and sessions court where the magistrate, Manoj Kumar, ordered to send him to judicial custody till September 15.

The counsel for Asaram, meanwhile, moved an application for bail, and hearing on the plea is expected on Tuesday. Asaram was brought to the court in a police bus escorted by a police vehicle. He was remanded in one-day police custody on Sunday after being questioned for four hours.

The religious preacher remained in the court for about 15 minutes before he was taken to Central Jail of Jodhpur near Mohanpura bridge in a convoy of police vehicles after the court order. He was lodged in Barrack No. 1. During the hearing, the defence counsel pleaded that proper medical attention and care be given to Asaram in the jail. To this, the prosecution assured the court all required assistance will be given.

Police said it did not seek extension of police remand as their course of initial investigation and questioning was over. "Our investigation was complete and, so, we did not seek for extension of the police custody. The accused cooperated with us," DCP Ajay Lamba told reporters after the hearing. "Our case is very strong and we have vital evidences against the accused. We are moving in the right direction. We will file a chargesheet in the case soon," he added.