Asaram's aide appears for questioning

Shiva, an aide of Asaram Bapu and a key witness in the alleged sexual assault case against the spiritual guru, Saturday appeared before Rajasthan Police in Jodhpur for questioning.

Shiva, along with two other aides of Asaram Bapu, failed to present himself before police Thursday.

"Shiva today appeared in the deputy commissioner of police office and we have started to interrogate him," a police official said, adding that he was a key witness in the case. The complaint of sexual assault was filed against the spiritual guru by a 16-year-old girl. Asaram Bapu has denied the allegations.

Shiva, hostel warden Shilpi and hostel attendant Keshav were initially called by investigators for questioning Thursday.

"Shilpi and Keshav had scared the girls' parents that she was possessed by an evil spirit and they should take her to Asaram for some religious rituals. On their advice, the girl's parents took her to Jodhpur ashram where Asaram is accused of sexually assaulting her. Shiva was outside the room when she was assaulted. So we need to interrogate him," a police officer said.