Time has come to stay away from fake god-men: Ashok Gehlot on Asaram case verdict
New Delhi/Jaipur, Apr 25 (IBNS): Reacting to the conviction of self-styled god-man Asaram Bapu in the rape of a minor, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said time has come to stay away from fake religious leaders, media reports said.
Speaking to an English news channel, Gehlot said: "We should respect true and pious religious leaders. But time has come for politicians to stay away from fake god-men."
Asaram has been held guilty for raping a 16-year old girl five years ago.
Asaram has been in jailed since 2013.
Along with Asaram, two other accused have also been convicted.
The sentencing is likely to be pronounced on Wednesday only.
Security has been beefed up in the city by keeping in mind the verdict of the case.
Rajasthan Police have imposed section 144 in Jodhpur till April 30 as a precautionary measure, reports said.
Keeping the adverse situation of law and order, which occurred following Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's conviction in mind, no media persons were allowed inside the court room on Wednesday.
The self-styled godman runs 400 ashrams across the country.
Security has been tightened across several states in India.
Image: facebook.com/AshokGehlot.Rajasthan
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