Jaipur: Asaram, serving a life sentence in a minor sexual assault case, has been admitted once again to a hospital in Jodhpur. He was brought from the Central Jail to Arogyam Hospital under heavy police security for medical treatment and has been kept under observation.
“Asaram was brought to our hospital on Tuesday night,” officials from the hospital confirmed to IANS.
A large police contingent remained deployed during his transfer, and he was transported to the hospital in an ambulance amid tight security arrangements.
After surrendering before Jodhpur Central Jail, Asaram cited multiple health issues and filed a petition in the Rajasthan High Court seeking permission to undergo treatment at Arogyam Hospital.
The matter came up before the Vacation Bench of the High Court.
According to reports, Asaram had arrived in Jodhpur on May 28 following the Rajasthan High Court’s verdict in his case. News of his arrival prompted several supporters to gather at Jodhpur Airport. From the airport, he proceeded directly to his ashram in Pal village before undergoing a medical examination at AIIMS Jodhpur.
He later surrendered at the Central Jail.
Earlier, a Division Bench of the Rajasthan High Court comprising Justice Arun Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit upheld the life sentence awarded to Asaram by the lower court, affirming imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life.
In its observations, the Court remarked, “The accused’s imprisonment is confined within walls, but the mental trauma and lifelong suffering inflicted upon the victim know no such boundaries.”
Acting on the order, the Court cancelled Asaram’s interim bail and directed the immediate issuance of an arrest warrant, following which he surrendered before jail authorities.
The case dates back to August 2013, when allegations emerged regarding the sexual assault of a minor student inside a hut at Manai Ashram in Jodhpur. A lower court convicted Asaram and sentenced him to life imprisonment in April 2018.
(IANS)
