Gujarat: Court sentences Asaram to life imprisonment in 2013 rape case filed by ex-disciple, says his crime is 'very serious' and against society

Ahmedabad, Jan 31 (PTI) A court in Gandhinagar on Tuesday sentenced self-styled godman Asaram Bapu to life imprisonment in a rape case filed by a former woman disciple in 2013 noting he sexually abused the victim younger than his daughter and committed a "very serious crime" against the society that should be punished "to the fullest extent" to prevent the exploitation of religious people.

Additional sessions judge DK Soni also ordered Asaram to pay Rs 50,000 as compensation to the victim.

A day earlier, the court had convicted Asaram for rape, unnatural offences, and wrongful confinement in the case registered in 2013 for raping a woman disciple, who hailed from Surat, on several occasions from 2001 to 2007 at his ashram at Motera near Ahmedabad before she managed to escape.