New Delhi, 26 August 2013

A leftist leader Gurudas Dasgupta today during a discussion in parliament sought death penalty for Asaram Bapu.

The discussion was about an incident of gang rape in Mumbai, but Janata Dal(United) leader Sharad yadav started discussing Asaram Bapu. Addressing to the Home Minister he said, “one sadhu is doing tamasha, why he has not been locked up? What did you do in this matter? One girl has accused him of committing rape. Penalty to him will convey strong message. Why minister is not speaking on this issue? You will speak on one matter and skip the other?”

Communist Party’s Gurudas Dasgupta and some other MPs also sought strict actions against Asaram Bapu. Gurudas Dasgupta said Asaram should be hanged.

Reacting to this, Home Minister Shinde said that Asaram issue was state subject. The investigation is in its primary stage. He said he will inform the house about the issue when the matter comes to him.

Author’s note

Contrary to what Mr. Sharad Yadav said in parliament, there no rape case against Asaram. The case involves a charge of sexual assault, and not rape.