Victim’s kin demand strict punishment

BAREILLY: As a Jodhpur court is set to pronounce its verdict in a rape case against self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, the district administration tightened security near the victim’s house in Shahjahanpur while her family members demanded strict punishment for the accused.

Superintendent of police, Shahjahanpur, KB Singh said, “We are aware of the law and order challenges which may come up after the judgement, so we have made arrangements for security to the girl and her family.”

He said a police picket, comprising three constables and an assistant sub-inspector, had been deployed outside the victim’s residence and added that security personnel had been sta- tioned in the area close to the victim’s house.

“A circle officer is monitoring security arrangements. He is in touch with the family and can call for additional force if required,” he said. Meanwhile, the girl’s family members said they were expecting strict punishment for Asaram.

“We have been boycotted by friends devoted to Asaram. We received threats and suffered a lot in the last five years,” the girl’s father said.

“Despite all threats, we held on to the truth and expect that the court will do justice to us by awarding maximum punishment to Asaram,” he added.

The victim was a minor when she was allegedly raped by Asaram at his ashram in Jodhpur on August 15, 2013.

A case was registered in Delhi on August 20, 2013, and Asaram was charged under sections 342 (wrongful confinement), 354A (sexual harassment), 370 (trafficking), 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation) 120(B) (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

In December last year, followers of Asaram reportedly distributed pamphlets in Shahjahanpur terming the rape allegations by the girl and her family as lies. An FIR was lodged against Asaram and 11 others in Chowk police station of Shahajahnpur. The case is still under investigation.