Asaram, daughter, aides booked for threatening, maligning rape victim's family
There have been many reports of attacks on witnesses against self-styled 'godman' Asaram Bapu, accused of raping several women. The father of one of his alleged victims has now made similar complaints: they are reportedly being threatened and maligned. This, when Asaram himself is in prison. An FIR has now been lodged against Asaram, his daughter and 10 others for rioting and criminal intimidation.
In 2013, a 16-year-old accused Asaram of raping her saying he would cure her illness. Medical examination confirmed sexual assault. Later, at least seven other girls accused him of forcing them for "unnatural sex". Two Surat-based sisters made similar allegations against his son Narayan Sai. Asaram, who was arrested in 2013 and has been in prison since then, has denied the allegations.
Over the course of 2014 and 2015, nine witnesses associated with Asaram Bapu's rape and sexual assault cases were attacked. At least one had acid thrown on his face, another was stabbed, and yet another was shot to death. Three of these witnesses have died; other key witnesses were subsequently provided security. Asaram's petitions for bail have been consistently denied.
The father of a 20-year-old victim now claims Asaram's aides are distributing magazines alleging cases against him are fake, so their family's image is maligned. "He's also receiving death threats from Asaram's men, and if something happened to him or his daughter, then (Asaram and aides) would be responsible for it," a cop said. A case has been filed under Sections 147 and 506.
