Synopsis
Tamraj Shahu, a fugitive linked to the Asaram Bapu and Narayan Sai rape case, has been arrested by Surat Crime Branch after a decade on the lam. The authorities are now investigating those who aided him in evading justice.Key Takeaways
- Tamraj Shahu arrested after 10 years.
- Involved in violent assaults on witnesses.
- Shahu evaded police by changing identities.
- Involvement with Asaram Bapu highlighted.
- Legal action pending against Shahu's accomplices.
Surat, March 5 (NationPress) The Surat Crime Branch in Gujarat has successfully apprehended Tamraj Shahu, a notorious fugitive involved in the high-profile Asaram Bapu and Narayan Sai rape case, after he spent a decade in hiding.
Shahu was implicated in assaults on pivotal witnesses and was captured in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He faced numerous grave criminal allegations, including acid attacks, attempted murders, and homicide.
During a press conference, Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot stated that Tamraj Shahu, originally from Chhattisgarh, led a gang notorious for committing violent acts against witnesses in the Asaram Bapu case.
This gang specialized in acid attacks, stabbings, and gun violence. Shahu would rent a property close to the victim’s home, observe their movements, and strike at an opportune moment before escaping.
To elude law enforcement, Shahu converted to Christianity, altered his identity, and resided in Noida. He had nine serious criminal cases registered against him across various states.
Authorities revealed that Shahu was a close associate of Asaram Bapu, playing a significant role in intimidating and attacking individuals who spoke against the self-proclaimed godman. At one stage, he even sought to acquire an AK-47 rifle for further assaults.
After Asaram's arrest, Shahu went underground, frequently changing identities and relocating to avoid capture. A reward of Rs 50,000 was announced for any information leading to his arrest.
Commissioner Gehlot mentioned that investigations are now aimed at uncovering those who provided shelter and financial support to Shahu during his time on the run.
Authorities will also investigate the frequency of Shahu's meetings with Asaram Bapu and will take legal action against anyone who aided him in evading justice. Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani, better known as Asaram Bapu, is an Indian spiritual leader who, by 2013, had established over 400 ashrams and 40 schools across India and internationally.
However, his standing has been tarnished by various legal troubles, including allegations of land encroachment, sexual assault, and witness tampering.
In August 2013, a 16-year-old girl accused Asaram of sexually assaulting her at his ashram in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Her parents filed a complaint, leading to Asaram's arrest on August 31, 2013.
In April 2018, a court in Jodhpur found Asaram guilty of raping the minor, sentencing him to life imprisonment under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act.
Additional allegations surfaced in October 2013 when a Surat-based woman, a former disciple, claimed Asaram repeatedly sexually assaulted her between 2001 and 2006 at his ashram in Motera, Ahmedabad.
This led to another legal case, culminating in January 2023 when a Gandhinagar court convicted Asaram for rape, marking his second conviction on such charges. Furthermore, Asaram's son, Narayan Sai, has faced similar allegations.
In 2013, two sisters from Surat alleged that Asaram and Narayan had sexually assaulted them during the mid-2000s. The elder sister accused Asaram, while the younger sister accused Narayan of assaults occurring at the Surat ashram between 2002 and 2005.
In April 2019, Narayan was convicted under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape and unnatural offences, and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
