BJP’s Swamy to fight rape accused Asaram’s case

JODHPUR: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday held a meeting with Asaram Bapu in Jodhpur Central Jail and assured the self-styled saint that he would fight his case in the court.
In August 2013, Asaram was accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl at his ashram in Jodhpur on the pretext of exorcising her from evil spirits.
“Bail is a fundamental right of Asaram and he would soon file a bail application in the lower court,” Swamy said, adding that he would fight his case in the court.
Comparing Asaram’s case with those of politicians like Lalu Prasad and Jayalalithaa, Swamy asked, “when they could be out of jail despite being convicted, why could Asaram not be out of jail”.
Earlier, at the court, Asaram expressed hope regarding the meeting, saying, “Swamy would do something in my case.” Asaram has been involved in several controversies including his remarks on the 2012 Delhi gang rape. Criminal cases filed against him involving land encroachment by his ashrams.