Self-proclaimed Godman Asaram Bapu, who is serving a life sentence in a rape case, has been granted seven days’ parole by the Rajasthan High Court for medical treatment. The 85-year-old godman will be transported to Maharashtra for medical care while under police custody.
Asaram Bapu had previously had two requests for parole denied by the High Court, which cited possible problems with law and order if he was released. Asaram Bapu was taken to AIIMS Jodhpur earlier this year in February due to excruciating chest discomfort.
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Asaram was convicted by a POCSO court in Jodhpur and sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a teen girl in his ashram. He is serving a life sentence in Central Jail, Jodhpur.
A trial court in Gujarat convicted the godman last year of repeatedly raping a female student at his Surat ashram in 2013.
In March, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in a case brought by Asaram Bapu contesting the Rajasthan High Court’s decision to reject his request for a medical suspension of his sentence.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that the godman could ask the High Court for permission to receive medical care.
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In his petition filed through his advocates, Asaram Bapu said his health was precarious and “rapidly deteriorating”.
According to the plea, the godman had “suffered a series of heart attacks” and had previously served 11 years in prison. His January 14 cardiac angiography report, which the attorneys also quoted, revealed “arterial blockages of up to 99%”.
