Indian court jails self-styled ‘godman’ for life for raping 16-year-old

A court in India's western state of Rajasthan on Wednesday sentenced self-styled godman Asaram Bapu to life in prison for raping a 16-year-old schoolgirl at his ashram five years ago.

Two among his four associates charged in the case received 20 years of jail term each while two were acquitted, the Indian Express reports. 

The case highlights the Indian heartland's fascination with spiritual gurus, who wield immense influence for their ability to mobilise millions of adherents, amass untaxed funds and find favour with politicians.

A judge delivered the verdict in a jail in the city of Jodhpur, where Asumal Harpalani, commonly known as Asaram Bapu, has been held since September 2013, for fear of violence by his followers.

The 77-year-old had been denied bail a dozen times.

"The conviction is under the section of rape and POCSO, which is sexual harassment of a young girl," said state police chief OP Galhotra, prior to the sentencing.

India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act permits lifetime jail terms for sexual assault of children, and was recently amended to allow the death penalty for the rape of girls younger than 12.

A spokeswoman for Harpalani said his lawyers were considering options for a possible appeal.

"We've full respect in our judicial system," said the spokeswoman, Neelam Dubey, adding that the judgment would not affect the activities of followers at their ashram. "Our legal team will decide what the next step is."

The case dates from August 2013, when the 16-year-old girl accused the preacher of sexually assaulting her at his ashram in Jodhpur, about 335 km from the state capital of Jaipur.

The girl, who reportedly sought to be rid of evil spirits, said in her complaint that she was asked to perform oral sex and was touched inappropriately, media said.

Security forces in four states - Rajasthan and neighbouring western Gujarat, as well as northern Uttar Pradesh and Haryana - went on high alert, for fear of a backlash from supporters.

Last year, followers of another guru, Gurmeet Ram Rahim, ran amok after he was found guilty of rape, unleashing violence that killed more than 30.

Nationwide outrage after a series of child rapes over the last two weeks spurred Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet to approve the death penalty for the rape of girls younger than 12.

With details from Reuters