2013 Rape Case: Gujarat HC Issues Notice to Asaram Bapu’s Wife, Daughter and Disciples

The Gujarat High Court has recently served notice to Asaram Bapu’s wife, daughter, and three female disciples regarding the state’s appeal against their acquittal in a 2013 rape case.

The previous acquittal was based on insufficient evidence, while the self-proclaimed godman himself was sentenced to life imprisonment.

A division bench of Justice AY Kogje and Justice Hasmukh Suthar issued notices returnable on 02.08.2023 to the five respondents accused of aiding and abetting the crime.

The accused include Asaram’s wife, Laxmiben, their daughter Bhartiben, and three disciples named Dhruv Belani, Nirmalaben Lalwani (alias Dhel), and Miraben Kalvani (alias Baglo).

Furthermore, the court accepted the government’s application seeking condonation of a 29-day delay in the appeal. Asaram Bapu, also known as Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani, was sentenced to life imprisonment on January 31 by a court in Gandhinagar.

The victim, a former disciple based in Surat, accused Asaram of repeatedly raping her between 2001 and 2007 while she resided at his ashram in Motera, Ahmedabad.

The 81-year-old self-proclaimed godman was found guilty of rape, criminal intimidation, and wrongful confinement by the Sessions Court in Gandhinagar.