Asaram's judicial custody extended till October 11

JODHPUR: A local court today extended the judicial custody of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu and his attendant Shiva till October 11 in the sexual assault case of a minor girl.

The District and Sessions judge also extended the police custody of another key accused, Shilpi, by three more days.

All the three accused were produced before the District and Sessions judge as Asaram followers shouted slogans, protesting their arrests.

The followers also clashed with mediapersons, a police officer said, adding cases have been registered against seven journalists on charges of beating Asaram supporters.

ADCP Kesar Singh Shekhawat said they had picked up about two dozen followers from the court area and dropped them away.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan High Court will hear Asaram's bail plea tomorrow.

Asaram was arrested in the case on September 1 and his aide Shiva was arrested a few days later.

Shilpi, who is accused of making arrangements to send the 16-year-old girl to Manai 'ashram' where Asaram allegedly sexually assaulted her in August, surrendered before the court last week.