Security tightened at rape survivor's house after interim bail to Asaram Bapu

Shahjahanpur, Police have increased protection at the rape survivor's family's home here following the three-month interim bail granted to religious speaker Asaram Bapu. Family members of the rape victim who have voiced concerns for their safety will now need to notify the police before leaving the district.

In 2013, a young girl from Shahjahanpur accused Asaram of sexually assaulting her in his ashram in Jodhpur, leading to his initial arrest. He was found guilty in 2018 and given a life sentence under the POCSO Act. He was given another life sentence in Gujarat in 2023 for his most recent conviction.

Following Asaram's three-month temporary bail, authorities took suo motu cognisance and improved the rape survivor's family's security, Shahjahanpur Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi told PTI on Tuesday. The victim's father and brother have been given personal gunners, and a guard is currently stationed at their home.