Rape convict Asaram returns to prison as parole expires

Jodhpur (Rajasthan): Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who is serving a life sentence in Jodhpur Central Jail for sexual exploitation of a minor, returned to jail on Monday after undergoing medical treatment in Mumbai after his parole expired.

Asaram was brought from Mumbai to Jodhpur amid tight security. Despite the large number of devotees at the airport, the authorities ensured a smooth and efficient transportation process.

The recent parole was Asaram’s first extended stint outside prison in 11 years. The parole was granted so that he could receive necessary medical attention at a hospital in Maharashtra.

After his arrest in 2013, Asaram was lodged in the Jodhpur Central Jail. Asaram had been in jail for years, except for limited court appearances during his trial.

On August 13, a division bench of Justice Pushpendra Bhati and Justice Munnari Laxman granted seven-day parole to Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in Jodhpur Jail after being convicted of rape, based on the medical report from Jodhpur AIIMS. Asaram was asked to bear all expenses for his medical care and travel as a condition of parole.

The court had carefully fixed the period of conditional release, excluding travel time. After completing the designated period, Asaram was brought back to Jodhpur Central Jail to serve his sentence.