Jaipur, May 27: The Rajasthan High Court has acquitted controversial godman Asaram Bapu in a gang rape case.
The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday gave big relief to self-proclaimed godman Asaram Bapu and acquitted him in a gang rape case. He was acquitted of the charges of gang rape and sexual assault on a girl registered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act.
However, the court continued the life sentence awarded in the rape case of a minor. A division bench comprising Justice Arun Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit acquitted Asaram of the charges under Section 376(D) of the IPC and Section 5(G)/6 of the POCSO Act.
At the same time, it is learnt that he was also acquitted of the charges under Section 120(B) of the IPC relating to criminal conspiracy.
However, the bench upheld the sentence awarded in the rape case under Section 376(2)(F) of the IPC. This will continue the life sentence awarded by the trial court.
The court directed Asaram to surrender in view of the ongoing charges. Asaram Bapu is currently out on temporary bail, which was extended for another seven days on Monday.
The High Court has continued the sentences awarded under several sections including IPC Sections 342 (wrongful detention), 370(4) (human trafficking), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (outraging the modesty of a woman), 354(A) (sexual harassment). The court also upheld the sentences imposed under Sections 7/8 of the POCSO Act and Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
The bench also upheld the sentences imposed under Section 376 of the IPC and Section 34 of the POCSO Act.