Asaram Bapu charged with rape

JAIPUR: Indian police on Wednesday charged a popular spiritual leader with raping a 16-year-old schoolgirl at a religious retreat, lawyers said.
Asaram Bapu, one of many self-styled Hindu “godmen” who attract vast numbers of followers, was booked for several offenses, including rape, trafficking and sexual crimes against minors.
Bapu, 72, who in his preachings urges followers to live a “pious life” free of sexual desires, was arrested in September in central Madhya Pradesh state and flown to Jodhpur, in Rajasthan in western India, where the alleged assault took place.
The police chargesheet is more than 1,000 pages long and includes statements from 58 witnesses, prosecution lawyer Manish Vyas said.
The white-bearded guru, who once condemned Valentine’s Day as encouraging young people to engage in “dirty acts,” has dismissed the claims against him as a political conspiracy.
The alleged attack took place on Aug. 15 as Bapu was holding a retreat for followers, including the alleged victim and her parents. He told the parents he needed to meet their daughter alone after being informed of concerns she was possessed by evil spirits, police have said.