Witness in Asaram rape case shot dead in Muzaffarnagar

Muzaffarnagar, Jan 12: One of the key witnesses in Surat rape case against controversial ‘godman' Asaram Bapu, was shot dead by unidentified persons in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday.

According to media reports, Akhil Gupta was shot dead when he was returning back to home. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead.

35-year-old Akhil worked as Asaram's cook and in 2013, Gujarat Police had questioned him in connection with the rape against Asaram.

Gupta had reportedly testified against the godman.

Asaram and his son Narayan Sai face allegations of raping two Surat-based sisters.

72-year-old Asaram who is currently lodged in Jodhpur jail was arrested after a 16-year-old girl lodged a police complaint on August 20, 2013, accusing him of sexually assaulting her at his ashram there. Arrested in September last year, Asaram is being tried under the provision of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

OneIndia News