Rajasthan HC acquits Asaram of gang-rape charges, upholds life sentence in minor sexual assault case
PTC News Desk: Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday acquitted former self-styled godman Asaram of charges related to gang rape and gang penetrative sexual assault on a child under the IPC and POCSO Act, while upholding his conviction for rape of a minor, which continues to carry life imprisonment.
A bench comprising Justice Arun Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit freed Asaram of charges under IPC Section 376 (D) and Sections 5(G)/6 of the POCSO Act.
Meanwhile the bench upheld his conviction under IPC Section 376(2)(F), pertaining to rape of a minor and sustaining his sentence of life imprisonment awarded by the trial court.
The court also directed Asaram to surrender in view of the conviction. Currently he is out on bail which was extended by seven days on Monday.
Meanwhile, the court acquitted co-accused Sanchita Gupta alias Shilpi and Sharat Chandra, who had earlier been convicted under Sections 370(4) read with 120(B) and 370(D), respectively.
Asaram was convicted on April 25, 2018 for sexually assaulting a minor student at his ashram and was sentenced to life imprisonment under multiple provisions of the IPC, POCSO Act, and Juvenile Justice Act.
- With inputs from agencies
