Asaram Surrenders to Jail in Jodhpur After 235 Days; Was Granted Bail in January, Serving Life Sentence in Rape Case
Surrenders After 235 Days Out on Bail
Self-styled godman Asaram, convicted in a 2013 rape case, has surrendered to the Jodhpur Central Jail after remaining out on bail for 235 days. He had been granted temporary bail on medical grounds in January 2025, but court directions required him to return following the expiry of his relief period.
Serving Life Sentence in Rape Case
Asaram was sentenced to life imprisonment in April 2018 by a Jodhpur court for raping a 16-year-old girl at his ashram in 2013. The case drew national attention and led to widespread outrage, with the court labeling the crime as a serious breach of spiritual trust.
Court-Monitored Surrender
His surrender today comes in line with court-monitored proceedings to ensure compliance with judicial orders. Jail officials confirmed that Asaram was taken into custody and is now back in prison to continue serving his sentence.
Legal Process Still Ongoing
Despite his conviction, Asaram has filed appeals in higher courts challenging the verdict. Legal experts say that while those appeals are pending, compliance with existing orders remains mandatory, including return to custody after temporary bail.
Background: A Controversial Figure
Asaram once claimed millions of followers across India and abroad. However, multiple allegations of sexual assault emerged in the 2010s, leading to arrests, court trials, and ultimately, convictions. His fall from grace has been one of the most controversial stories in recent Indian religious history.