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Gujarat court sends Asaram to police custody till Oct 19

72-year-old Asaram was brought to Gandhinagar last night on transfer warrant from Jodhpur

Premal Balan Ahmedabad
A local court in Gandhinagar on Tuesday sent self-styled godman Asaram Bapu to police custody till October 19 in connection with case of sexual assault against him and his son Narayan Sai, who is absconding.

Asaram who was brought from Jodhpur yesterday amid heavy security was today produced before Judicial Magistrate V A Budh.

The magistrate after hearing arguments of the police and Asaram's lawyer B M Gupta, decided to grant police custody of the godman till October 19.

The 72-year-old Asaram was brought to the city last night on a transfer warrant from Jodhpur, where he was in judicial custody on charges of raping a minor at his ashram.
 
He was produced before the court in connection with a case registered in Surat by two sisters - one against Asaram and another against his son Narayan Sai - of rape, sexual assault, illegal confinement and other charges.

The complaint against Asaram was transferred to Chandkheda police station in Ahmedabad as the alleged incident, 12 years ago, took place in his ashram here. The case is going on in Gandhinagar court as Chandkheda come under jurisdiction of Gandhinagar district.

While seeking remand police had sought 14 days' custody of Asaram citing various reasons, including interrogation of the accused regarding the alleged crime, his medical check up and seizure of things related to the crime.

This demand was opposed by Asaram's lawyer B M Gupta who claimed that his client was being framed in false cases under political pressure.

Asaram's son Narayan Sai who is accused of similar charges in another case is absconding and was not traceable, police said.

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First Published: Oct 15 2013 | 4:27 PM IST

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