Media twisted my words: Asaram

He announced a reward of 50 lakh to anyone who could prove that he blamed the victim for the horrific crime

Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, in the eye of a storm over his remarks on the Delhi gang-rape victim, today said he was quoted out of context and announced a reward of 50 lakh to anyone who could prove that he blamed the victim for the horrific crime.

Bapu, who had evoked nation-wide angry outbursts over his comments that the 23-year-old para-medic could have saved her honour and life by pleading for mercy before her tomentors and telling them that she was like their sister, is camping at the Maha Kumbh congregation here.

"I have been quoted out of context. The poor girl was young enough to be my own granddaughter," he said.

"How can I ever be so insensitive as to blame her for the very tragedy that had stricken her. The media reports have twisted my words.

"I will give a reward of Rs 50 lakh to anybody who is able to prove that I had blamed the rape victim herself for the heinous crime," Bapu said at his discourse.