Sexual assault case: Asaram moves bail application in HC

Controversial self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who is in judicial custody in the alleged sexual assault case of a minor, today moved a bail application in the Rajasthan high court in Jodhpur.

The hearing on the petition is scheduled on Monday, one of Asaram's counsels said. Last week a lower court had rejected the bail plea of 72-year old Asaram, who was arrested on September 1 from his Indore ashram.

His aide Shiva, who is considered as a key witness in the case, is also under judicial custody. The police is now looking forward to the other three co-accused - Shilpi, Sharad Chandra and a cook of the incarcerated godman, for wrapping up investigation and filing the charge sheet in the case.

The district and session court on Thursday had rejected the anticipatory bail moved by Shilpi, the warden of the Chhindwara-based ashram in Madhya Pradesh, where the victim had been staying.

The 16-year-old girl had lodged a complaint with the police on August 20, accusing Asaram of sexually assaulting her at his Jodhpur ashram.