Asaram Bapu kept alone in cell

Spiritual guru Asaram Bapu, who is in judicial custody on charges of sexually assaulting a girl, was kept "alone in his cell" and was provided a bed and a mattress, officials said.

Asaram, 72, was arrested from his ashram in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and presented Monday in the court of District and Sessions Judge (Rural) of Jodhpur Manoj Vyas, who sent him to 14 days' judicial custody.

A prison official said Asaram was being treated as a normal prisoner.

"He is being given only those facilities which a usual undertrial prisoner avails," the official said.

Asaram, lodged in Barrack No.1 of the prison, was Monday allowed food from outside.

"He had dinner at the jail superintendent's office yesterday (Monday). However, from now on, he will be given food at the prison mess. He has been provided a bed, a mattress and other such things. Medical attention will be given as he is 72 years old," said the official.

Asaram will be allowed to perform religious prayers with other prisoners.

"He has been lodged in Barrack No.1 of the prison and is alone in the cell as we want to regularly see him," the official said.

A medical examination was conducted on him in the jail.

Asaram Bapu was Monday quizzed at a guest house of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary in connection with the sexual assault case.

A 16-year-old girl has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Asaram Bapu on Aug 15 at Asaram's ashram outside Jodhpur city.

The spiritual guru has denied the charge. Police, however, said they have a water-tight case against him.