Rape convict Asaram's 'audio clip' goes viral from Jodhpur Central Jail

The audio clip that is addressed to his followers is said to be of April 27. In it, he appreciates his followers for not coming down in large numbers to Jodhpur as it could have led to a law and order problem on the day of his judgement.

Image: Asaram: PTI/File

New Delhi A purported audio clip of controversial self-styled godman Asaram Bapu has gone viral from the barracks of Jodhpur Central Jail. Asaram was awarded a ‘life till death’ sentence by a court earlier this week for raping a minor girl in 2013. The audio clip that is addressed to his followers is said to be of April 27. In it, he appreciates his followers for not coming down in large numbers to Jodhpur as it could have led to a law and order problem on the day of his judgement. Further, the high-profile convict is heard telling his supporters to be patient as he is hopeful of coming out of jail by moving applications in higher courts. “Big pitfalls can lead to bigger roads.” Asaram in an assuring tone also says his accomplices Shilpi and Sharad will be released from the jail first after which he will get bail. The duo was handed 20 years in jail. He also advised his disciples to stay away from getting influenced and incited by political parties. “I have no feud with any party. I am a Gandhian.” The emergence of the audio recording of an inmate has puzzled the jail authorities. No probe has been launched yet to verify the clip. The rape convict has created a Rs 10,000-crore empire with 400 ashrams in India and other parts of the world in four decades and has millions of followers worldwide.  Asaram is also facing a rape case in Surat in Gujarat.