Pune: Asaram Bapu, who is serving a life sentence for rape in the Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan, has finally been granted parole for seven days.
The parole has been granted for Ayurvedic treatment, which Asaram Bapu is scheduled to take in Pune soon.
Asaram Bapu was admitted to Jodhpur's AIIMS hospital four days ago due to respiratory and other serious health issues. The bail application mentioned the need for Ayurvedic treatment, which the court took into consideration, leading to the approval of his bail.
This is the first time in 11 years that he has been granted bail. Despite multiple applications submitted to the court for various reasons, the requests were repeatedly denied.
In 2013, Asaram Bapu was charged with the rape of two girls in Surat. Seven people were charged in the case, but the court acquitted six of the accused and found Asaram Bapu guilty. In 2018, the Jodhpur court convicted him of raping a 16-year-old girl, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Asaram Bapu was receiving treatment in prison, but his condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to AIIMS Jodhpur under tight police security. His followers have held several protests demanding his parole.
Once a prominent figure in the spiritual community, Asaram Bapu built an extensive empire with over 400 ashrams, a network of devotees across the country, and influence over political leaders, administrative officials, and businessmen.
However, after serious allegations of rape surfaced, his reputation took a severe hit, causing upheaval in the spiritual world. Currently serving his sentence in prison, Asaram Bapu has once again become a topic of discussion.
