Charge-framing in rape case against Asaram's son deferred

SURAT: A court here today deferred the framing of charges in the rape case against self-styled godman Asaram's son Narayan Sai to August 4.

Additional Sessions Judge H S Muliya was supposed to frame the charges today. But he deferred the proceedings after being informed that an appeal filed by one of the co-accused was pending before the High Court.

Ramesh Rajkumar Malhotra, accused of helping Narayan Sai when the latter was absconding after the rape case was filed, has moved the HC seeking to quash the charges of abetment and criminal conspiracy, defence lawyer Kalpesh Desai said.

The appeal is likely to be heard on July 27, Desai said, following which the sessions court adjourned the proceedings.

All the accused are needed to be present when the charges are framed, as per the legal procedure.

A Surat-based woman has filed a rape case against Narayan Sai. She has alleged that Sai repeatedly sexually assaulted her when she was staying at his ashram near here during 2002 to 2005. Her elder sister has filed similar case against Asaram.