Self-styled 'god man' Asaram Bapu landed in Jodhpur Central Jail on Monday after a local court remanded him to 14-days' judicial custody for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at his ashram here.
A grim-faced Asaram, wearing a white dhoti, kurta and a red skull cap, was produced amid tight security before the district and sessions court where Magistrate Manoj Kumar sent him to judicial custody till September 15.
Soon after, the counsel for Asaram moved a bail application, which is expected to be heard on Tuesday. Asaram spent the last 24-hours in police remand and faced serious grilling over allegations of sexual assault.
Asaram, who has millions of followers in India and abroad, was in court for about 15 minutes before he was taken to Jodhpur Central Jail, near Mohanpura bridge, in a convoy of police vehicles and lodged in Barrack No.1.
During the hearing, the defence counsel pleaded for proper medical attention and care for Asaram in prison. At this, the prosecution assured the court that all required assistance would be given to the 72-year-old Asaram.
Police said it did not seek extension of police remand as initial investigation and questioning was over.“Our investigation is complete so we did not seek extension of police custody. The accused has cooperated with us,” DCP Ajay
lamba told reporters after the hearing. “Our case is very strong and we have vital evidence against the accused. We are moving in the right direction. We will file a charge sheet in the case soon,” he added.
After the hearing, some people who had gathered outside the court shouted slogans welcoming the order.
Asaram was arrested amid high drama on the intervening night of Saturday-Sunday in Indore and was brought here on Sunday for interrogation.
Asked about reports that Asaram was suffering from a neurological disorder, the DCP said: “It has been proved to be a lie. His son can say what he wants to say. We can't comment on anybody's statement. A team of doctors said he is perfectly fine. He is mentally and physically fit and is eating well.”
Asaram had on Sunday cleared a potency test conducted on him at the SN Medical College here. He was also taken to his Manai Ashram, about 30 km from Jodhpur, where the girl was allegedly sexually assaulted.
The police conducted a physical verification and tried to recreate the scene of crime.Asaram's arrest followed an FIR filed by the girl alleging she was sexually assaulted by him at his ashram. He has denied the charges but the medical examination of the girl proved that she was telling the truth.
Commenting on the issue, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the police had done their work impartially.“Police have done their work impartially, now the matter is with the judiciary.”