Jodhpur cops to leave for Bhopal to quiz Asaram

Jodhpur/New Delhi/ Chhota Udaipur: The Jodhpur police team will leave late on Friday to probe Asaram Bapu in Bhopal. As Asaram's deadline for appearing before the police ended on Friday, his plea for extension was turned down.

"We received a fax from him on Friday evening stating that his ill-health and the death of a relative, prevented him from appearing and he sought more time. But we have decided not to give him anymore relief," said DCP Ajay Pal Lamba. He said the team, led by the investigating officer, will leave tonight for Bhopal. He will be quizzed and if he is unable to produce anything concrete in his defence, he will be arrested.

Referring to his ground for plea, especially ill-health, Lamba said we will go and see the veracity of his plea and then decide. "If there is strong ground justifying his plea, we may consider relaxation on humanitarian ground", Lamba said.

Regarding the possibility of his arrest, Lamba said as of now, we have adequate evidences against him enabling us to arrest him but we will give him a chance to prove his innocence.On the possibility of his changing location, Lamba said we have standby teams ready to leave for any destination.Police have also taken into account any untoward situation that may arise during his arrest. "We have spoken to Madhya Pradesh police and have been assured of full cooperation, said Lamba.

Asaram's son Narayan Sai had said earlier in the day that his father had booked tickets for a flight to New Delhi this morning to reach Jodhpur but his health suddenly deteriorated because of which the tickets had to be cancelled.

While speaking to mediapersons, chief minister Ashok Gehlot said on Friday that Asaram was making baseless and "cheap" statements.

Chief minister was reacting to Asaram's reported statement in which he said that he had links with Gehlot.

"I had met him about 12-15 years ago when a cow shelter home was being inaugurated in Tonk's Niwai town. Now he is saying that he has links with me. It is not good on his part. Society respects them and they should think several times about what message their words will convey," said Gehlot.

Gehlot also criticized Asaram's allegations of a political conspiracy crafted by Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul.

The issue rocked Parliament with JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav raising the issue asking as to why Asaram Bapu was still roaming free and has not been arrested despite rape charges slapped against him.