Asaram Bapu rape case verdict LIVE updates: The self-styled godman is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in August 2013 (Express Photo/File) Asaram Bapu rape case verdict LIVE updates: The self-styled godman is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in August 2013 (Express Photo/File)

A trial court in Jodhpur on Wednesday held Asaram Bapu guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl in August 2013, a top police official told The Indian Express. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by the court. The verdict was delivered by Special Judge Madhusudhan Sharma in a makeshift court at the Jodhpur Central Jail, where the self-styled godman has been lodged since 2013. Security has been heightened across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana where Asaram has a huge following. The Ministry of Home Affairs Tuesday had asked the three states to deploy additional forces in sensitive areas and ensure law and order is maintained following the judgment.

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Asaram Bapu verdict LIVE: The chargesheet

The chargesheet had named Asaram and four others — Sanchita alias Shilpi, Sharad Chandra alias Sharat Chandra, Prakash and Shiva alias Sava Ram Hethvadiya. They are charged under relevant sections of the POCSO Act, Juvenile Justice Act and the Indian Penal Code. Shilpi and Sharad Chandra were awarded 20 years each by the court, while Prakash and Shiva were acquitted.

The verdict was delivered in the Jodhpur Central Jail as per orders of the Rajasthan High Court. Section 144 has been imposed in the city, preventing assembly of more than four people.

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Asaram Bapu verdict LIVE: The case file

A 16-year-old girl had accused self-styled godman Asaram Bapu of raping her on the intervening night of August 15 and 16, 2013 at an ashram in Jodhpur. Asaram has been lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail since 2013. He has unsuccessfully moved 12 bail applications.

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