Gehlot meets Shinde to discuss Asaram Bapu, assures justice

As demand is building up for spiritual leader Asaram Bapu's arrest, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Wednesday to brief him on the sexual assault case against the self-styled godman.

Gehlot assured that nobody was above the law and promised strict punishment if Asaram Bapu is found guilty.

"Let me reiterate that police should not come under any pressure while conducting its investigation and it will not happen. Strict action will be taken based on the outcome of the probe," Gehlot said.

"Saints should maintain sanctity in society so that there is no scope of raising fingers of accusations against them. They are revered and respected and are connected with religious beliefs," he added.

The meeting between Shinde and Gehlot came after the Union Home Ministry asked the state governments of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi to compile reports on the complaints of sexual offence allegedly committed by Asaram Bapu.

According to media reports, Spiritual guru Asaram Bapu's son has defended his father in the sexual assault case and has called the victim 'mentally unstable'.

Earlier, the victim had said in her statement to the police that she was threatened by Asaram Bapu to remain silent about the incident.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot met Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Wednesday and briefed him about the police investigations related to the case.

Nobody is above the law, Gehlot told reporters after the meeting and also denied that the government was going soft on Asaram Bapu. He said Rajasthan Police is doing their job.

On Tuesday, Asaram Bapu had sought more time from Jodhpur Police for appearing before it in connection with sexual assault charges against him.

The 72-year-old godman, who personally received the police summons here for questioning in the case, has claimed he had been framed as part of a conspiracy.

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 in connection with the alleged assault.