INDIA GURU GETS LIFE FOR RAPING TEEN, 16
Televangelist, 77, commands devoted following
AN Indian guru with millions of followers was sentenced to life in prison yesterday for raping a teenage devotee on the pretext of ridding her of evil spirits, his lawyer said.
Asaram Bapu, one of India’s most charismatic and controversial “godmen”, was given the maximum sentence at a closed jailhouse hearing in Rajasthan state, where hundreds of police were on high alert for a backlash from his disciples.
The white-bearded guru, 77, who urges followers to live a pious life free of sexual desires, has always denied raping the then 16year-old in 2013 during a spiritual retreat at his ashram here.
His lawyer said they would appeal the sentence.
Two of four other accused, including a woman, were also found guilty and sentenced to 20 years. The other two were acquitted.
The woman, now 21, accused Asaram of assaulting her on the pretext of driving away evil forces.
The influential yoga guru, who has been in custody since 2013, had called the trial a political conspiracy and refused to cooperate with a police investigation.
A perceived reluctance to bring the charismatic leader to account sparked public outrage.
The Hindu televangelist still commands a devoted following despite his star power fading following the rape charges and other controversies.
Asaram’s followers have been accused of attacking or pressuring those who have spoken out against the guru into withdrawing their allegations.
Two close aides who turned key witnesses against him were murdered in 2014 and 2015.
Asaram is also accused of raping another devotee and involvement in the killing of two students. His son is also on trial for rape.