Asaram supporters throng central jail

JODHPUR: A large number of supporters of Asaram Bapu today assembled outside Central jail here seeking a glimpse of the self-styled godman, who is lodged in the prison in connection with the alleged sexual assault on a minor girl.

They spent the entire day at the main gate of the jail chanting hymns and demanding to be provided a glimpse of Bapu before they could eat something on 'Poornima' (full moon), which falls today.

Jail Superintendent Rakesh Mohan Sharma said that there is no provision in the law under which Bapu could be brought out for the 'darshan'.

"We provided them the water touched by Bapu considering their deep faith," said Sharma.

Meanwhile, the hearing on the application of anticipatory bail of Shilpi, an aide of Bapu, in the High Court was deferred today.

Justice Nirmal Jeet Kaur deferred the hearing for want of case diary.

While the anticipatory bail pleas of Prakash (cook of Bapu) and Sharad Chandra at the District and Session Court (Jodhpur District) were withdrawn.