80-year-old Asaram Bapu admitted to Jodhpur hospital for treatment

Jaipur: Self-proclaimed godman Asharam Bapu who is lodged in Jodhpur central jail in a sexual harassment case was rushed to a hospital after he complained of difficulty in breathing and chest pain. Asaram Bapu underwent treatment at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Jodhpur. He was taken back to the central jail after doctors conducted tests on him. A crowd of his followers gathered outside the hospital.

Asaram complained of difficulty in breathing around midnight on Tuesday. He was taken to hospital under heavy security arrangements in a police van.

A video showing Asaram preaching sermons to policemen who brought him to the hospital went viral on social media platforms. In the video, the policemen can be seen listening to Asaram’s sermons. As the news of his ailment spread, many followers gathered outside the hospital. The doctors carried out a health check-up and administered medicines. After the doctors’ consent, Asaram Bapu was brought back to Jodhpur Central Jail. Some followers chased the van in which he was being transported to the jail.  

In August 2013, Delhi police filed a case against Asaram on charges of raping a 16-year old girl in his Jodhpur Ashram. Reportedly, she was brought to Asaram on the pretext of curing her “evil spirits”. The case was later transferred to Jodhpur police. He was arrested on August 31, 2013.