Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot condemns attack on journalists by Asaram's supporters

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday condemned the assault on media personnel by supporters of self styled godman Asaram Bapu, and claimed that this is a fascist tendency.

"I highly condemn the attack on the media by Asaram Bapu's supporters and I feel this is a fascist tendency. Press has the freedom to work freely. This is not a right attitude of supporters. Government is determined towards the law and order situation of the state

No one is above law; everyone must respect it," he told media here today.

Gehlot also said that Asaram Bapu's arrest is a job of the police, and added that they must work with any pressure and conduct investigations as per law.

Earlier, six supporters of the self styled godman Asaram Bapu were 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.

DCP Lamba said a team would be sent to Bhopal to investigate the alleged sexual assault case against Bapu.

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.