Asaram Bapu Surrenders At Jodhpur Jail After High Court Rejects Bail Extension

Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who is serving a life sentence for raping a minor, surrendered at Jodhpur Central Jail on Saturday after the Rajasthan High Court rejected his plea for an extension of interim bail. The 84-year-old had been granted bail on January 7 this year for the first time in 12 years of imprisonment on medical grounds.

Bail Earlier Granted for Health Reasons

Asaram, aged 84, was released on interim bail in January 2025 due to medical concerns. However, the High Court bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vineet Kumar Mathur, during a hearing on August 27, refused to extend the relief.

Court Cites Medical Board Report

The court based its decision on a medical board report prepared by doctors from Government Hospital, Ahmedabad, which confirmed that Asaram's health condition was stable and did not require either hospitalisation or continuous medical care.

Arguments Rejected by the Court

During the August 27 hearing, Asaram's lawyer Nishant Bodha argued that his client was taken to AIIMS Jodhpur on August 21, where doctors had noted a decline in his health. Despite this, the High Court dismissed the claim, giving weight to the Ahmedabad medical report instead.

The bench further observed that in the last three to four months, Asaram had made multiple visits for treatment at various hospitals across different cities, but had failed to follow up regularly at any single facility.

With the court's decision, Asaram's interim bail came to an end, compelling him to return to Jodhpur Central Jail.