Problem-besieged preacher Asaram was was sent back to Jodhpur where he is accused of raping a minor girl, after his police custody in Gujarat expired on Tuesday. The self-styled godman was brought to Gujarat following complaints lodged by two Surat-based sisters against him and his son Narayan Sai for sexually assaulting them.
The Special Investigation Team of Gujarat Police probing charges against the ‘Guru’ did not insist for further extension of Asaram’s custody. He was first taken to Sabarmati Jail and subsequently to Jodhpur.
In order to dodge his milling supporters and the media, the Gujarat Police claimed that they were taking the 71-year-old godman to Nadiad Sub Jail but actually packed him off to Jodhpur.
Meanwhile, Asaram’s former cook Akhil and his wife Varsha have been brought to Gujarat from Uttar Pradesh and their statements will be recorded before a Judicial Magistrate under section 164 of CrPC.
Asaram’s cook allegedly told the police that contradictory to his public image, the preacher is an abusive and ill-tempered man who also at times resorts to violence. In fact, he himself has to bear the brunt of Asaram’s bad temper several times.
He reportedly divulged before the police that many girls used to visit Asaram’s farmhouse, stayed there for long time and returned. Akhil also told the police that he had seen the victim at Asaram’s farmhouse in 2001.