Asaram Bapu on Wednesday announced he will give Rs 5 lakh to anyone who can prove the allegations against him. The self-styled godman, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a minor, made the declaration while celebrating Janmashtami with his followers in Surat.

Related: Asaram's son calls victim 'mentally unstable'

Asaram, who has been issued a summon by the Jodhpur police, also said he has not decided to surrender so far, and is planning his future course of action.

Related: Look-out notice against Asaram Bapu

"Allegations have been made against me many times, but never proved. Four-and-a-half years ago, allegations were made about the sacrifice of two minors in my ashram in Ahmedabad, but nothing has happened till now. Media persons are damaging my image," he told the crowd.

Related: Asaram receives notice, assures cooperation in probe

Asaram said the whole case was an attempt to defame him. "I was at a farmer's house in Jodhpur. Allegations have been made that I sexually assaulted a minor girl. Had I done such a thing, my fingerprints would be found. Her parents and seven sevaks were sitting outside, why did they not hear it? I believe that somebody is trying to defame me by forcing the little girl to lodge a complaint and make such statements. Her parents have taken diksha from me, so she is called my granddaughter. There is no question of sexual assault," he told The Indian Express.

Related: Asaram threatened me to keep quiet, says minor

"I am announcing a prize money of Rs 5 lakh for anyone who can prove the charges levelled against me. I will become his slave for the rest of my life," he said.

Related: Asaram summoned to appear for police questioning

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