Asaram's Photo Worship At Surat Hospital Sparks Row

Asaram is currently serving life sentences for two rape convictions.

Surat:

A controversy has emerged after followers of Asaram Bapu, who is imprisoned with life sentences in two rape cases, allegedly conducted a puja ceremony by installing his photograph on the grounds of Surat Civil Hospital.

On Tuesday, hospital administration clarified that disciples of the self-styled godman were only permitted to distribute fruits to patients. They emphasized that no authorization was given for displaying his photo or performing aarti (ritual with a lit lamp).

The hospital faced criticism after video footage of the incident became viral online.

"This incident is inappropriate and should not have occurred. One of our staff members contacted me requesting permission for Asaram's followers to distribute fruits to patients, which we approved. However, no one sought permission for installing a photo or conducting religious ceremonies on hospital grounds," explained Dr Ketan Naik, Resident Medical Officer.

The incident took place on Sunday near the entrance of the stem cell building.

Naik confirmed that the administration has subsequently removed a security guard who was stationed at that entrance.

Asaram has been convicted in two separate rape cases.

A Gandhinagar court sentenced the controversial self-proclaimed godman to life imprisonment in a 2013 case for repeatedly sexually assaulting a female disciple from Surat between 2001 and 2006 at his ashram located in Motera near Ahmedabad.

He was found guilty under Indian Penal Code sections 376 2(C) (rape), 377 (unnatural offences), 342 (wrongful detention), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 357 (assault or criminal force in attempt to wrongfully confine a person), and 506 (criminal intimidation).

Additionally, Asaram is serving another life sentence for raping a minor girl at his Rajasthan ashram in 2013.