Asaram should be boycotted if found guilty: Rajasthan women`s panel

Jaipur: Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu should be boycotted if found guilty of the charges of having raped a minor at his ashram, Rajasthan State Women`s Commission (RSWC) chairperson Laad Kumari Jain said on Saturday.

"Time has come to evaluate whether we are following the right people. Such leaders form spiritual opinion and if they are found involved in such serious crimes, it sends out a very wrong message," she said. "People, particularly the supporters of Asaram Bapu, should wait for the outcome of the probe before reaching any conclusions," she said. Supporters of the godman yesterday held a protest outside Kamla Market Police Station in New Delhi demanding quashing of the FIR against him. "RSWC is following the probe. I may visit Jodhpur to discuss the case with police officials if required," she said. Meanwhile, the state Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance in the case and directed the Jodhpur Police Commissioner to take necessary action. Commission member MK Devrajan yesterday issued orders to the Jodhpur police chief asking him to present a report before them within two months. Asaram is accused of having sexually assaulted a minor girl on August 15 night at his ashram at Manai village near Jodhpur. The girl registered a complaint recently with Delhi Police who then transferred the case to their counterparts in Jodhpur. PTI