Sir — This refers to the article, “Asaram case exposes mob irrationality on rape” (September 7) by Shruti Chopra. There is nothing new in this kind of behaviour, given that we have different yardsticks for different people. Not just Asaram’s followers but even a few politicians were also of the view that the man is innocent.
Just because he passes himself off as a ‘godman’ and enjoys a huge following, doesn’t mean that he is actually a ‘man of god’, and as such he can get away with all kinds of inappropriate behaviour.
There have been serious charges against him in the past as well. The writer’s apprehensions that he could be back in the system are absolutely right. The public does have a very short memory; this is best exemplified by the spontaneous public outrage against the horrific Delhi gang rape incident and the muted public response against the alleged molestation of a minor by Asaram at his ashram. If this is not double standard, then what isIJ We can’t be blinded by this man’s stature.