Rape convict Asaram surrenders at Jodhpur jail after High Court upholds life sentence

Self-styled godman Asaram surrendered before authorities at Jodhpur Central Jail on Thursday evening, May 28, 2026, a day after the Rajasthan High Court canceled his interim bail while confirming life imprisonment in the 2013 misdemeanor rape case.

News of his arrival had drawn a large crowd of supporters to Jodhpur airport earlier in the day.

After spending some time at the local ashram in Jodhpur, he visited AIIMS for medical examination and surrendered later in the evening.

The Jodhpur Bench of the High Court on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, rejected Asaram’s appeal and canceled the interim bail, which was extended till July 7.

At the time of the verdict, Asaram, who had been out on bail since October, was staying in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

His lawyer said that they are reviewing the decision and will accordingly proceed to challenge the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court.

Also read: Editorial on Asaram case verdict

The division bench comprising Justice Arun Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit delivered a detailed verdict in the sensational case, upholding the life imprisonment imposed by the trial court.

In making the order, the court made strong observations about the impact of the crime on the victim.

Addressing the survivor’s date of birth, the court stated that he was born on July 4, celebrated as Independence Day in the United States, symbolizing freedom, dignity and self-respect.

The court observed that on the night of August 15, 2013, when a country was celebrating its Independence Day, the girl’s freedom, dignity and innocence were taken away from her in a hut in Jodhpur by “a man she saw as God”.

Describing faith as a powerful force, the court said devotees generally follow the instructions of their religious guru without question.

“Devotees of religious gurus unquestioningly embrace the most superstitious explanations and irrational advice, including ghosts and supernatural phenomena. Apparently, as in the case in hand,” the court said.

Before announcing the verdict, the court reportedly stated that it was a “mixed package of good and bad news” for the defendant and asked which part he wanted to hear first.

Although Asaram’s life imprisonment sentence was upheld, the court acquitted him of charges related to gang rape and gang sexual assault of a minor girl under the IPC and POCSO Act.

Asaram was convicted of raping a devotee who came to him at the Ashram near Jodhpur in 2013.