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The Story of Asaram Bapu: From Revered Saint to Notorious Convict

Asaram Bapu Biography: Explore the full story of Asaram Bapu, from his rise as a spiritual guru to his conviction for rape and criminal charges, witness intimidation, and his ongoing trials.

Updated on: 17 April 2025 3:06 PM IST

Asaram Bapu True Story (Photo - Social Media)

Asaram Bapu True Story: Asaram Bapu, whose real name is Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani, was once considered one of India’s most prominent spiritual leaders. However, the serious criminal charges and convictions against him have severely tarnished his image. Hundreds of ashrams, millions of followers, daily sermons, respect, fame—everything that a spiritual guru could desire, Asaram had. People even revered him as a divine figure. But the path he chose eventually led him to a prison cell. Today, the same Asaram, once worshipped across India and abroad, is a convicted rapist serving a life sentence.

Education and Early Life

Asaram studied only up to the fourth grade before dropping out of school. In his early years, he worked in various small jobs like pulling a tonga and working at a bicycle repair shop. Yet, his ambition was much larger—to become a revered guru worshipped by millions.

He was born on 17 April 1941 in the village of Berani, located in Sindh province of British India (now in Pakistan). After the partition of India, his family settled in Gujarat. In the early 1970s, he began giving spiritual discourses and gradually emerged as an influential spiritual figure. By 2013, he had established over 400 ashrams and 40 schools in India and abroad.

Asaram is currently serving a life sentence in Jodhpur Central Jail. Recently, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail until 31 March 2025 on medical grounds. His journey from spiritual guru to convicted criminal has raised serious questions about the accountability of religious leaders in Indian society.

Influence Ranged from Politics to Bollywood

Asaram Bapu, originally named Asumal Thaumal Harpalani, once wielded such influence that top politicians, bureaucrats, Bollywood stars, and celebrities were regulars at his gatherings. But today, the same man is spending the twilight of his life behind bars.

Connection with Leela Shah Baba and His Rise as a Saint

Asaram claimed to be a disciple of Saint Leela Shah Baba from Kutch, although this claim was never independently verified. Nonetheless, he adopted the name and legacy and built his identity around it.

First Ashram in Motera

In the 1970s, he founded his first ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River in the Motera area of Ahmedabad. Through spiritual discourses and free meals, he attracted many followers, particularly from poor and marginalized communities. His influence grew steadily from there.

An Expanding Empire Across the Globe

In just a few years, Asaram’s empire expanded rapidly. He had established over 400 ashrams worldwide, and the estimated worth of his trust’s assets crossed ₹10,000 crore. Books, cow-based products, and religious items bearing his name were sold widely.

Gurukuls for Children

His ashrams also ran gurukuls (traditional schools) where children were provided education, food, and lodging. Hundreds of students studied in these institutions.

Criminal Cases Against Asaram

1. Half-burnt Bodies Found in Sabarmati (2008)

In 2008, a major incident shook public confidence—two students, Abhishek and Dipesh Vaghela, studying at Asaram’s ashram, were found dead, their half-burnt bodies recovered from the Sabarmati River. The case was linked to alleged tantric rituals, but no concrete evidence surfaced.

2. Jodhpur Rape Case (2013)

In 2013, a 16-year-old girl from the Shahjahanpur ashram in Uttar Pradesh alleged that Asaram summoned her to his Jodhpur ashram to “free her from evil spirits” and sexually assaulted her.

She accused Asaram of inappropriate touching, forcing her into oral sex, and rape.

In 2018, Asaram was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code:

Section 342 (wrongful confinement)
Section 376 (rape)
Section 506 (criminal intimidation)
Section 509 (outraging modesty through words/gestures)
Section 8 of the POCSO Act
Sections 23 and 26 of the Juvenile Justice Act

He challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court and filed multiple bail pleas—all of which were rejected.

3. Surat Rape Case

After his arrest in the Jodhpur case, two sisters in Surat accused Asaram and his son Narayan Sai of sexual exploitation.

The elder sister claimed that between 1997 and 2006, Asaram raped her repeatedly at the Motera ashram in Ahmedabad. The younger sister alleged that Narayan Sai sexually exploited her from 2002 to 2005.

In this case, Asaram’s wife, daughter, and three other associates were accused of facilitating and abetting the abuse. Narayan Sai was convicted in 2019 and sentenced to life imprisonment, while Asaram was convicted in 2025. His lawyers have said they will appeal the verdict in the Gujarat High Court.

Witness Intimidation and Attacks

A major reason for delays in the legal proceedings was the systematic threatening, attacking, and murdering of witnesses.

In the Jodhpur case, Judge Manoj Kumar Vyas and the case’s SHO received threats.
Asaram’s personal doctor and witness, Rahul Sachan, was stabbed before his court testimony and has been missing since 2015.
Another witness, Kripal Singh, was shot dead. Before his death, he alleged that Asaram’s supporters were behind the attack.
In the Surat case, two witnesses were murdered, two others injured, and the husband of the younger sister was stabbed in the back and face.

Black Magic and Mysterious Child Deaths (2008)

In 2008, two children went missing from the Motera ashram. Their mutilated bodies were found days later. The parents alleged it was a case of black magic and human sacrifice involving Asaram and his followers.

The Gujarat government, led by Narendra Modi, appointed Justice D.K. Trivedi Commission to investigate. The commission exonerated Asaram and his son but held the ashram administration accountable for negligence.

Asaram, once a powerful and revered spiritual leader, has now been convicted in multiple serious criminal cases. The grave nature of the charges, the attacks on witnesses, the suffering of victims, and the complexities of judicial proceedings show how crimes can be committed under the guise of religion and hidden for years. While delayed, the judicial system eventually proved that no one is above the law.

Controversies Surrounding Asaram’s Trials

A woman from Surat also alleged that Asaram raped her between 2002 and 2004. That case is still under trial.

Over the past five years, at least nine witnesses connected to both cases have been attacked—three fatally. Police are still investigating these assaults.

The victims’ families claim that Asaram and his followers are behind these attacks. In the Jodhpur rape case, the survivor’s family also faced threats from Asaram’s supporters, although Asaram has denied all such allegations.

Other Controversial Gurus with Criminal Backgrounds

1. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh (2017)

Convicted in 2017 for raping two women and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He also faced charges of murder and forced castration of followers to “bring them closer to God.”

2. Baba Rampal

Currently imprisoned, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and sedition. His ashram was allegedly used for illegal abortions and weapons storage.

3. Swami Nithyananda

Faced charges of obscenity after a video surfaced showing him in a compromising position with a film actress. He claimed the video was doctored. He was arrested in 2010 and later released on bail but continues to face legal proceedings in multiple cases.

Court Declares Him Guilty

Despite threats and attacks on witnesses, the trial proceeded. The Jodhpur Special Court held long hearings over several years.

On 26 April 2018, the court convicted Asaram and sentenced him to life imprisonment. He is still incarcerated in Jodhpur Jail. His repeated bail petitions to the Supreme Court were all denied.

In 2016, two sisters from Surat accused Asaram and his son Narayan Sai of sexual abuse. That case is still pending in Surat Court.

Asaram’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind faith. A man once revered as a saint turned out to be a convicted criminal, shattering the faith of millions. His arrest and sentencing prove that in the eyes of law, no one is above accountability—no matter how powerful or revered they may appear.