New Delhi (CNN) A Indian court has sentenced self-proclaimed Indian spiritual guru Asaram Bapu to life imprisonment for raping a 16-year-old girl in 2013.

The guilty verdict was handed down Wednesday amid high security at Jodhpur Central Jail in the western state of Rajasthan, according to local Police Commissioner Ashok Rathore.

Asaram's spokesperson Neelam Dubey told reporters that his legal team will challenge the verdict in India's High Court.

The arrest of Asaram in 2013 prompted violent clashes between his supporters and police in several major cities.

Indian policemen stand guard outside the ashram of controversial Indian guru Asaram Bapu on April 25, 2018.

Before the verdict was handed down, police were placed on high-alert across three states, amid the threat of further violence. The three states, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana, are home to large numbers of Asaram devotees.