Indore:
A Rajasthan Police team continues to wait inside the ashram of a defiant Asaram Bapu - accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old schoolgirl - in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city to interrogate him despite resistance by the godman's supporters.
After almost two hours of suspense over the developments inside the ashram, Asaram's lawyer Pushpkaran emerged, saying there has been no questioning yet and that Asaram Bapu has retired for the night. "Anything that happens will now happen tomorrow morning," he said.
There is heavy security with at least 300 policemen deployed at the Indore ashram. There is no confirmation yet on whether or not the 75-year-old self-styled godman will be arrested. (
Is Asaram Bapu above the law?)
Earlier, Asaram's son Narayan Sai claimed his father was not well and could not be interrogated. He also assured full cooperation of the ashram in the probe. (
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A senior Rajasthan cop countered the claim, saying Asaram is medically fit to be investigated and may be arrested if they are not satisfied with his defence against the allegations made by the teenage inmate of his ashram. (
Strong grounds for arrest, say cops)
There was tension in Jodhpur earlier today with supporters of Asaram attacking the journalists at his ashram, which has now been sealed. Thirteen people have been detained for the violence.
"Asaram Bapu's supporters snatched our mikes and camera," said a TV journalist who was hit on his head. Another journalist received stitches after he was wounded.
Asaram's associate and bodyguard Shiva, who is accused of taking the girl to the guru's Jodhpur ashram, surrendered to the police today.
Asaram, who has 400 ashrams across India, was accused by the 16-year-old complainant of forcing himself on her and threatening to kill her and her parents if she reported him.
In Uttar Pradesh, the complainant's father has started an indefinite fast demanding Asaram's immediate arrest.