JODHPUR, April 25 (TNS): Self-styled godman Asaram was sentenced to life in prison – until death – by a special Indian trial court, which earlier Wednesday found him guilty of raping a minor in 2013.
The two other people convicted in the rape got twenty years each in prison, Indian media reported.
The verdict and sentence were both pronounced from Jodhpur Central Jail, where Asaram is lodged.
This move was due to the fear of adverse reactions from Asaram’s followers, and a repeat of the violence that followed the verdict in the Gurmeet Ram Rahim case last August.
Asaram, who’s been in jail since August 31, 2013, was accused of sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The girl, who’s from Uttar Pradesh, was living in the ashram as a student. He was charged under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
“Asaram is convicted, we have got justice. I want to thank everyone who supported us in this fight. Now I hope he will get strict punishment,” said the father of the rape survivor.
Ahead of the verdict, Jodhpur police imposed Section 144 in the city to prevent violence breaking out in case his followers were unhappy with the verdict.
Courtesy: Times of India
