Tight security at girl’s house in UP
BAREILLY: We are aware of the law and order challenges, which may come up after the judgment. We have made arrangements for the security to the girl and her family.
KB SINGH, Shahjahanpur superintendent of police
As a special court in Jodhpur is set to deliver its verdict on Wednesday against selfstyled godman Asaram Bapu on charges that he raped a minor, security has been tightened near the girl’s house in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur.
“We are aware of the law and order challenges, which may come up after the judgment. We have made arrangements for the security to the girl and her family,” said Shahjahanpur superintendent of police (SP) KB Singh.
The girl was 16 when she was allegedly raped by Asaram at his ashram in Jodhpur on August 15, 2013. Asaram was arrested on August 31, 2013, and sent to the Jodhpur Central Jail after a case was registered in Delhi.
Singh said a police picket, comprising three constables and an assistant sub-inspector, had been deployed outside the girl’s residence and additional security personnel stationed in nearby areas.
“A circle officer is monitoring security arrangements. He is in touch with the family and can call additional force if required.”
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 with the truth and expect that the court will do justice to us by awarding maximum punishment to Asaram.”
In December last year, Asaram’s followers 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 at Chowk police station in Shahajahnpur. The case is under investigation.