India's Dangerous Devotion: The Enduring Power of Criminal Godmen Despite Convictions

It is both concerning and revealing that in 2025, nearly a decade after self-styled godman Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani, known as Asaram Bapu, was convicted of raping a minor, staff members at the Surat New Civil Hospital in Gujarat were recorded offering prayers to him. The viral video footage prompted authorities to remove both a security guard and a Class 1 officer from their positions.

In Delhi, police are currently searching for another 'godman', Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused of sexually harassing female students at a management institute. The case only came to light after multiple victim complaints and a letter from the IAF, with Chaitanyananda now evading authorities.

These incidents raise a critical question: what does it reveal about our society when criminals hiding behind religious or spiritual facades continue to command unwavering loyalty from ordinary citizens and even government institutions?

Asaram has been imprisoned since August 2013 following allegations of raping a 16-year-old schoolgirl from Uttar Pradesh. Two months later, in October 2013, both Asaram and his son, Narayan Sai, faced accusations of raping two sisters at their ashram in Surat.

His conviction came after substantial evidence, survivor testimony, and years of legal proceedings. Nevertheless, devotion to Asaram remains strong in parts of India, particularly in Gujarat, his home state. Asaram's influence was so significant that many key witnesses in his case were attacked or disappeared even while he was incarcerated. His followers even threatened the investigating police officer. Both Asaram and his son Narayan Sai – who is also serving a life sentence for rape – avoided conviction for an extended period due to political protection.

Similarly, Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, serving a 20-year sentence for raping two disciples, has frequently secured parole, most recently obtaining a 40-day leave on August 5.

Godmen like Asaram and Ram Rahim command hundreds of thousands of followers and substantial financial resources. The unquestioning trust followers place in these self-proclaimed spiritual leaders grants them enormous moral and social authority, further amplified by political support. Indeed, their political backing stems directly from their massive followings.

Religious belief is a personal right. However, when such beliefs impair one's judgment regarding truth and justice, it becomes dangerous. When healthcare professionals – who should uphold principles of science, ethics, and public service – publicly worship a convicted rapist, it indicates a troubling disconnect from both moral and civic responsibilities.

This extends beyond matters of faith. When public servants are permitted to worship criminals in religious garb, we normalize the notion that power, especially spiritual or political power, places individuals above the law. The Surat Civil Hospital, where this incident occurred, must be held accountable. The Resident Medical Officer condemned the event, stating: "One of our staff members requested permission to distribute fruits to patients from Asaram's followers, which we approved. However, no permission was granted for displaying the photo or conducting worship on hospital premises."

Yet no investigation has been initiated. Doesn't this situation warrant exemplary disciplinary action? It's worth considering: would public and authority reactions have been the same if hospital staff had praised a terrorist or common murderer? Unlikely. Why, then, the selective tolerance when the individual in question is a so-called 'godman'?

The continued public appeal of controversial figures like Asaram reveals a deeper societal problem – followers' unwillingness to question and abandon their beliefs even when they become harmful. While the Surat Civil Hospital staff's actions may appear isolated, they represent a much larger issue facing India. This isn't merely poor judgment – it's a failure of institutional ethics. Official silence will only further normalize such behavior.

(The author is Contributing Editor, NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author