Witness in Asaram sexual assault case turns hostile

A witness in the sexual assault case against Asaram today turned hostile and told the court that she had no knowledge about the self-styled godman's activities.
"Sudha Pathak appeared before the court and told it that she was just a farm worker at an ashram of Asaram and had no knowledge about his activities," victim's counsel Pramod Verma said.
"When asked if she was scared or under pressure, she replied in the negative," said Verma.
Asaram is in jail since August 2013, for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl. He was arrested after the 16-year-old girl lodged a police complaint in August 20 last year alleging that the self-styled godman sexually assaulted her at his ashram here.

Pathak, who was to appear before the court on July 1 for recording of statements, had then produced an application in the court fearing threat to her life.
Verma, however, said that Pathak's "turnaround" would not have any negative impact on the case as two witnesses, Rahul Sachan and Mahendra Chawla, have already deposed against Asaram.
Investigation officer and the last witness in the case, the then ACP Chanchal Mishra, will appear before the court tomorrow.
He was also booked, along with his son, for the alleged rape of two sisters in Surat in Gujarat.