Self-styled 'godman' with millions of followers jailed for life for raping minor

Self-styled 'godman' with millions of followers jailed for life for raping minor

A self-styled "godman" has been given a life sentence in India for raping a minor at his monastery in 2013. According to his website, he has 40 million followers around the world and has built 400 spiritual retreats across 19 countries. The controversial guru is also on trial, along with his son, in another rape case in which two sisters have accused the men of rape. Responding to widespread outrage over the recent rape and killings of young girls and other attacks on children, India’s government last week approved the death penalty for people convicted of raping children under age 12. Image: Police patrol outside Jodhpur Central Jail, where Asaram Bapu has been held since September 2013

Neelam Dubey, a spokeswoman for the Asaram Ashram, told reporters they will appeal against the verdict in a higher court after speaking with their legal team. Jodhpur is on high alert because of concerns there could be violence from the guru’s supporters, reports BBC Hindi’s Priyanka Dubey who is in the city.
Indian guru Asaram Bapu is sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a child.