Asaram witness killing: Deceased's father demands CBI inquiry

Muzaffarnagar, Jan 31: The father of the slain witness in the sexual assault case against self-styled godman Asaram has demanded a CBI inquiry into his son's murder. Naresh Gupta has sought an inquiry into the murder of his son Akhil, alleging that it was not the result of any local enmity and was directly linked with Asaram's bail rejection by the High Court earlier this month.

He further alleged that Asaram's daughter Bharti may be behind the murder as she is out of jail. Gupta also sought increased protection for his family because his son's wife is also a witness in the case. Meanwhile, IPS officer Amitabh Thakur has requested the state DGP for providing adequate protection to the family of the deceased, who have expressed dissatisfaction with local police investigation.

35-year-old Akhil Gupta, a former cook and personal aide of Asaram, was the prime witness in the rape case against the self-styled godman in Surat. He was shot dead on Jansath Road under New Mandi police station area in Muzaffarnagar on his way back home by unidentified assailants on January 11. G

upta had given statement before a Gandhinagar Court under section 164 of CrPC, along with some incriminating proof against Asaram, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old schoolgirl.

PTI