New Delhi:
Over 20 people, including seven policemen were injured when supporters of self styled godman Asaram Bapu attacked police personnel outside the Parliament Street Police station here in the wee hours today. Hundreds of supporters of Asaram Bapu had gathered in front of the police station late last night demanding the release of Asaram Bapu, who is presently lodged at a jail in Jodhpur. The protesters demanded that the police arrest them too, an official said.
The clash broke out when police officials tried to clear the area after warning the protesters. While one group allegedly vandalised the police vehicles parked outside the police station, another tried to break open a barricade.
Police had to resort to lathi-charge and when the situation could not be brought under control, teams from other police stations in close proximity were summoned as reinforcement, the official said.
Seven policemen, including the Station House Officer of Barakhamba Road police station, and at least 13 supporters of Asaram Bapu were injured in the clash. While the supporters dispersed and fled the area later, the injured officials were rushed to RML Hospital. At least six police vehicles were damaged in the incident, the official said.
A case of rioting, vandalism, causing damage to public property, criminal assault on public servants and other charges have been registered in connection with the incident but no one has been arrested yet, he added.
A teenaged girl of Asaram’s Chindwara-based gurukul had accused Asaram Bapu of sexual assault at his ashram near Jodhpur. Following the girl’s complaint, Asaram was arrested by Jodhpur police on August 31, 2013 and is in jail since then.
A group of Asaram supporters camped at Jantar Mantar here days after he was arrested, protesting against the police action against the self-styled godman.
