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Before arrest, Asaram Bapu warned Rajasthan government

Asaram Bapu, accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl, being produced at court in Jodhpur. (PTI)

‘If you frame me, be prepared to pay heavy price in elections’.

In his last sermon before arrest, Asaram Bapu wondered why was he being treated like (Osama bin) Laden and was certain that a “fakir” of some other religion with four crore disciples would have been left untouched.He warned the Rajasthan government that it will pay a heavy price in the elections.

Related: Spiritual leader Asaram Bapu booked for alleged sexual assault

The media was barred from the Indore Ashram where he spoke to angry followers for the last time on August 31. The speech has now been uploaded on his official website accompanied by Hindi, English and Hinglish subtitles and a “must read” instruction.

The Jodhpur and Indore police heard him patiently as the preacher gave direct threats and made his and his alleged oppressors’ political affiliation known. While he boasted of “four crore” following in 167 countries, he appeared scared and reconciled to the impending arrest.

Holy men, unholy acts: Sex, lies and secrets

“Do whatever you want to but keep in mind that elections are approaching. No matter which superpower orders you but maintain law and order and (try to) save your chair. If you frame me in such a way in a false case like this be prepared to for a losing bargain in the ensuing elections,” Asaram said. “If the Rajasthan government dares to arrest me under pressure from the top I can’t tell how much will it suffer,” he added. Alleging that five senior officers are behind his arrest he reasoned: “That’s why the Madhya Pradesh government is helpless.”

After he was booked for sexual assault and before his arrest, the septuagenarian spent most of his time in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and was openly backed by ministers and leaders like Uma Bharati and Kailash Vijayvargiya.

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