Asaram Bapu admits 'touching' Surat-based woman

, Oct 18: The self-styled

on Wednesday confessed to have 'touched' the woman who has complained of being sexually assaulted by him.

According to reports, fearing the lie-detector test, Asaram Bapu told the interrogating team of Ahmedabad police that he had 'touched' the girl in his personal room at the ashram but he was giving her mantra deeksha. Asaram also said that he used to call the woman frequently to his cottage, but denied sexually assaulting her.

He admitted that he knew the woman very well as she was staying in his Ahmedabad ashram.

As the complainant refused to face Asaram, they both had to sit with back towards each other, within the hearing range, at the Gujarat ATS headquarters.

It has been reported that police asked 40 questions to both of them related to sexual assault complaint. The cross- interrogation, which has been "videographed", started at 11.30am on Wednesday and continued till 8 pm.

The 33-year-old victim, who is married stays in Surat and was brought to Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

Police sources said that Asaram's face turned pale with fear, the moment he saw the victim, approaching towards him.

During interrogation, the woman revealed at least 17 new names, who will be now questioned by the police.

The woman revealed 17 new names, who will be now questioned by the police.

She also disclosed names of two female attendants- Nirmala alias Dhel and Meera alias Bagl, who used to 'trap' or 'arrange' women for Asaram.

She also alleged that Asaram's daughter Bharti and his wife Laxmi, used to send girls to him at his room.

However, Asaram maintained that his daughter and wife were "innocent".

Some reports said that Asaram even screamed and cried during interrogation and told police, "I am fed up with your questions".

On Wednesday, another potency test was also conducted on septuagenarian Asaram.

The victim's younger sister has accused Asaram's 41-year-old son Narayan Sai, who is still missing, of raping her in Surat.

OneIndia News