Jodhpur: Jodhpur police on Tuesday issued a lookout notice against self-styled godman Asaram in an alleged sexual assault case. Asaram was served summons at his Indore ashram by the Jodhpur police. Asaram has been evading the police so far.
Sources say the lookout notice is to ensure that the 'godman', who is accused of sexually assaulting a minor, does not flee the country. Meanwhile, sources say the Home Ministry has sent a stern reminder to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi for updates on the investigations in the case.
The Jodhpur police team reached his ashram in Indore on Tuesday morning. The summons are for him to appear for questioning by August 30.
Earlier on Monday, another police team had issued summons to the controversial godman in connection with the allegation of sexual abuse. Police have dropped rape charges from the FIR against Asaram saying it's a case of sexual assault. Police sources say the FIR registered in Delhi included sections of molestation and rape but it was a case of sexual assault according to the statements of the minor.
Asaram has now been booked under Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act. Women in Jaipur protested against Asaram on Monday over the allegations.
Asaram has, however, continued to deny the allegations. The godman, on Sunday, claimed that he was innocent and regards the minor as his "daughter". "I feel very sad when this girl is termed as a rape victim. She is like my daughter, grand-daughter or niece. She is not a victim... far from that. The victim is the one who is violated but this girl is pure in my view," Asaram said during a discourse at his Ashram located on Khandwa Road.
Asaram alleged that Hindu saints are purposefully being maligned as part of a larger conspiracy. "Baseless allegations are levelled against me because I preach Indian culture during my discourses. In last four-and-a-half years, I was accused of practising black magic and tantrik practices but none of them stood legal scrutiny," he said.
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