Followers of Christianity might be behind 'conspiracy': Asaram Bapu's aide

Asaram Bapu's caretaker Shiva, who today surrendered before the Jodhpur Police in connection with the sexual assault case, said that the followers of Christianity could possibly be behind the 'conspiracy'.

Shiva added that he was unwell and thus could not appear before the police within the deadline issued to him.

"I was unwell, so I came late. Additionally, this whole thing is a conspiracy. I heard through the media that these wrong allegations have been levelled against Bapu and they have given my name as well. ...This whole thing is a conspiracy against Bapuji," Shiva said.

"Followers of Christianity do not believe that a locket of Ram or Hanuman should be worn around the neck. They want to wear the Jesus Christ Christian cross. Bapu is against this. They are all behind Bapu for this. The media, in fact, should investigate who is behind this," he added.

13 supporters of Asaram Bapu were earlier in the day detained for attacking media personnel outside his ashram in Jodhpur.

According to reports, Asaram's supporters allegedly attacked IBN-7's reporter Bhawani Deora. Another IBN-7 video journalist was also injured in the attack.

On Friday, Jodhpur Police refused to give Asaram Bapu more time to present himself in connection with a case of sexually assaulting a minor at his Jodhpur ashram.

Asaram Bapu has been booked under Sections 376, 342, 506 and 509 of the IPC, Section 8 of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and Sections 23 and 26 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Besides the summons served on Asaram Bapu, notices have also been issued to the manager of the Chhindwara gurukul in Madhya Pradesh, the hostel warden and the main caretaker of Asaram, who was present at Manai Ashram in Jodhpur on August 15, when the alleged sexual assault took place there.

The 16-year-old girl, who has accused Asaram Bapu of sexually assaulting her at his ashram in Jodhpur, hails from Uttar Pradesh.