This landmark 2018 conviction remains one of India's most significant cases against a godman, with implications still debated across Indian society.

How The Mighty Have Fallen

Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu was found guilty in a 2013 rape case by Jodhpur Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Court, on Wednesday. He has been convicted of raping a minor girl in Manai village, near Jodhpur on August 15, 2013.

In 2013, a 16-year-old girl from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, alleged that he had sexually assaulted her in his ashram on the outskirts of Jodhpur. This led to his arrest. He was arrested from Indore and brought to Jodhpur central jail on September 1, 2013, and is presently still lodged there.

Asaram’s spokesperson Neelam Dubey said they will talk to their legal team and decide the future course of action. “We will discuss with our legal team and then decide our future course of action. We have confidence in our judiciary,” Dubey said.

Earlier in the day, people were seen offering prayers at the godman’s ashram in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal, Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, Gujarat’s Ahmedabad and Punjab’s Ludhiana for his acquittal.

A follower of Asaram even reached the jail with a garland in the morning. He, however, was detained by police. Prohibitory orders have been issued and security heightened in Jodhpur, apprehending a threat to law and order from Asaram’s followers.

The judgement in the case was pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail, keeping in view the law and order in the situation in Rajasthan and neighbouring states. Asaram is also facing a trial in Gujarat for raping two Surat-based sisters. His son, Narayan Sai, is also an accused in the case. Additionally, he is facing charges of trafficking, rape, and sexual crimes against children. The quantum of the sentence will be pronounced later today and could be facing a prison term ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment.

Before becoming a spiritual guru, Asaram went by the name Asumal Sindhi and was a tongawala  Ajmer. He used to carry pilgrims from the railway station to the Dargah Sharif.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Asaram Bapu arrested and convicted?

Asaram Bapu was arrested on September 1, 2013, from Indore and brought to Jodhpur central jail. He was convicted by the Jodhpur Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Court in 2018, five years after his arrest for the August 15, 2013 rape incident.

Who was the victim in Asaram Bapu’s rape case?

The victim was a 16-year-old girl from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, who alleged that Asaram Bapu sexually assaulted her in his ashram on the outskirts of Jodhpur on August 15, 2013. Her complaint led to his arrest and eventual conviction.

Is Asaram Bapu facing any other cases?

Yes, beyond this conviction, Asaram Bapu is also facing trial in Gujarat for allegedly raping two Surat-based sisters. His son, Narayan Sai, is also named as an accused in that case. Multiple cases highlight the serious allegations against the self-styled godman.

Where is Asaram Bapu now after conviction?

As of the verdict announcement in 2018, Asaram Bapu remains lodged in Jodhpur central jail. The judgment was pronounced inside the jail premises due to law and order concerns and heightened security following the conviction verdict.

What was Asaram Bapu’s response to the conviction?

Through his spokesperson Neelam Dubey, Asaram’s camp stated they would consult with their legal team to decide the future course of action. Dubey expressed confidence in the Indian judiciary, indicating plans to pursue appeals or legal remedies.