Asaram Bapu was once considered a revered spiritual leader in India with millions of followers. However, after being convicted of rape and serving jail time, questions abound regarding his current status. This comprehensive article examines whether the controversial figure is still alive in 2023 and his whereabouts now. With detailed background on Bapu and analysis of recent updates, the piece provides intriguing insight into an opaque situation.
A household name in India for decades, Asaram Bapu cultivated an image as a Hindu ascetic and guru, preaching spirituality across hundreds of ashrams. However, beneath the façade lurked allegations of criminal behavior. The uncovering of sexual assault cases against Bapu and his son tarnished their god-like status.
While Bapu’s devout supporters continue viewing him as a persecuted saint, skepticism pervades about his purported innocence. Exploring the sensational rise and fall of this figure offers a cautionary tale on blind faith in spiritual leaders. Now into his 80s and imprisoned, fascination endures regarding Bapu’s wellbeing and whereabouts.
Is Asaram Bapu Still Alive in 2023?
The foremost question in 2023 is whether Bapu remains alive after incarceration and deteriorating health. A definitive public statement on his current condition does not exist. However, circumstantial evidence indicates Bapu continues living as of early 2023.
Reports emerged in September 2022 that Bapu became unconscious and critically ill at the Jodhpur Central Jail. Doctors allegedly revived him after a cardiac episode. A few months later, Bapu reportedly contracted COVID-19 per hospital authorities. Despite bouts of poor health, he seemingly perseveres.
Bapu’s family submits pleas for suspension of his life sentence every few months, implying he survives to potentially receive such relief. Moreover, diehard supporters regularly assemble outside the Jodhpur jail premises to catch a glimpse of Bapu on his way to hearings. His ongoing legal appeals suggest an alive, if ailing, figure rather than deceased.
In the absence of verified updates, the balance of available information points to an aged yet breathing Asaram Bapu in early 2023. Nevertheless, chronic health problems likely persist given his advanced age and imprisonment conditions.
Where is Asaram Bapu Right Now?
If alive as surmised, where might the tarnished spiritual leader be spending his incarcerated days? Asaram Bapu remains jailed since his high-profile rape conviction in 2018 at the Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan.
This penitentiary has housed Bapu for over five years due to security concerns. His nationwide prominence and devoted following necessitate heavy protection. As such, Bapu occupies a special cell under perpetual guard and CCTV surveillance.
Jail officials take no chances with Bapu’s safety and closely monitor his activities. He reportedly receives visitations only from select family members and legal counsel. However, lakhs of supporters periodically descend on Jodhpur demanding Bapu’s release and chanting slogans outside the prison gates.
In essence, the disgraced godman stays imprisoned in his fortified Jodhpur cell designed to prevent violence by followers seeking to “free” their beloved Bapu. Despite petitions to transfer him closer to his native Gujarat, authorities keep Bapu in Rajasthan due to security risks.
What Facilities Does Asaram Bapu Have in Jail?
Although incarcerated, Asaram Bapu retains access to certain privileges and exemptions. His special cell reportedly furnishes an air cooler, bed, chair, and carpet along with regular water and electricity.
Prison cooks prepare customized meals for Bapu following his ayurvedic and naturopathic dietary restrictions. He undergoes routine medical examinations and receives necessary treatments. During COVID-19, Bapu got admitted to an outside hospital for additional care.
Jailers also permit Bapu’s security blanket and dhoti along with religious scriptures. He can procure fruits, dry fruits, and special teas through prison shops. To pass time, Bapu engages in spiritual discourse with visiting ascetics and penning letters to supporters.
However, exemptions like personalized meals and outside hospital trips during COVID have drawn criticism as special treatment not available to regular prisoners. Nevertheless, authorities insist on taking no risks with someone of Bapu’s standing, however tainted.
How is Asaram’s Health Now in 2023?
In recent years, Asaram Bapu’s health has shown concerning signs of deterioration – not surprising given his 82 years and less-than-ideal jail circumstances. Doctors have treated him for stroke, heart disease, diabetes, neurological issues, and other chronic conditions.
Bapu reportedly suffers severe back pain and mobility challenges that require hand-holding assistance to walk even short distances. Prisons visits get postponed due to his recurring health problems that demand in-patient care.
Supporters of Bapu have appealed for suspension of his life sentence owing to poor health, old age, and COVID vulnerability. However, the High Court rejected these petitions in late 2022 based on his ability to access medical facilities in jail.
While imprisoned, Bapu remains prone to health scares like cardiac arrests, pneumonia, and infections. Critics contend he deserves no sympathy given his heinous crimes as a godman. Nevertheless, Bapu weakened physically in jail – although not yet defeated spiritually.
What Legal Efforts Seek Asaram Bapu’s Release?
Despite rape convictions, Asaram Bapu has not abandoned seeking an early release through ongoing legal pathways. In late 2022, his counsel approached the Supreme Court pleading suspension of his life sentence to avail Ayurvedic panchakarma treatment outside jail.
Bapu’s lawyers argue his health critically deteriorated in prison and that he poses no flight risk or danger to society given advanced age and illness. However, authorities oppose release citing security hazards and his unrepentant refusal to admit guilt.
Additionally, Bapu’s defense team continues challenging the Jodhpur rape verdict itself as flawed and unjust. In 2022, they claimed his conviction rested on inconsistent testimony, unverified age of the victim, and procedural lapses.
For now, higher courts remain unconvinced by appeals to free Bapu prematurely whether on health, humanitarian, or legal grounds. Still, efforts persist to somehow open jail gates for the controversial spiritual figure.
Does Asaram Bapu Retain Followers After Convictions?
Astonishingly, Asaram Bapu’s imprisonment on rape charges barely diminished his ardent devotee base. Hordes of supporters throng Jodhpur regularly to catch a glimpse of him en route to court or jail. They insist Bapu was framed and seek his immediate release.
Many followers believe he possesses divine powers and can invoke miracles. Conspiracy theories swirl that anti-Hindu entities plotted Bapu’s downfall to malign Indian culture. Critics decry this blind deification of a convicted felon.
Through social media and outreach from behind bars, Bapu sustains faith in his innocence. Some followers even proclaimed him an incarnation of Krishna being crucified like Jesus by evildoers. Their cult-like reverence persists despite court verdicts.
Ultimately, Bapu crafted an image of divinity so powerful that convictions for heinous crimes barely shook followers’ core beliefs. This formidable robed army seeks to shape the narrative around their incarcerated Guru.
Asaram Bapu’s Net Worth Before Conviction
At his zenith before incarceration, Asaram Bapu amassed an enormous net worth from vast spiritual and business empire. According to estimates, his total assets exceeded ₹10,000 crores.
Bapu’s holdings reportedly included 400 ashrams, multiple schools, lucrative real estate, timber and agricultures lands, factories, hotels, and diversified investments. His products brand empire churned massive profits.
Donations from transfixed followers constituted another income fountain for Bapu. Even from jail, he compels devotees to provide funds for legal fees and activities. However, governing authorities closely monitor financial transactions to contain unlawful use.
While Bapu’s convictions dented his prestige, his wealth remains largely undiminished due to its sheer scale and diversification. Supporters also zealously guard his assets and revenue streams despite the prison term.
Did Time in Jail Reform Asaram Bapu’s Character at All?
Given the ego-crushing experience of incarceration, some posit whether it spurred self-reflection and reform in Asaram Bapu. Unfortunately, little evidence points to meaningful character change based on his statements and actions.
Bapu retains a superior demeanor in jail demanding special treatment as a divine entity, not a convict. He adamantly refutes rape accusations as conspiracies, not confessing any remorse. Additionally, Bapu never paid the required compensation to victims.
Channeling energy into legal appeals, Bapu concentrates on absolving his name, not reforming his values. Supporters also reinforce his perceived persecution, not accountability. Thus, the road to redemption remains untrodden by Bapu.
In summary, Bapu seems largely unchanged from his defiant and grandiose godman persona despite the harsh prison stay. For true reform, he must acknowledge culpability and atone honestly – steps nowhere in sight.
Final Takeaways
In conclusion, Asaram Bapu apparently still clings to life in early 2023 from his Jodhpur jail cell, although weakened in health. Despite rape convictions, millions of ardent devotees persist in their worship of this controversial figure now inhabiting the fallen status of a convict rather than a holy man.
Bapu’s legal efforts to restore freedom continue but without admission of guilt or reformist evolution. For the quality of justice and women’s empowerment, Indian authorities must ensure he serves his full sentence with no leniency for someone once considered a “divine” being.
Ultimately, the privations of imprisonment have yet to break Asaram Bapu’s stubborn refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing and change his ways. Nevertheless, his dramatic descent following brave witnesses exposing long-hidden misdeeds conveys a powerful lesson – no godman remains beyond the reach of law and ethics forever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Asaram Bapu?
Asaram Bapu was an Indian spiritual guru who founded ashrams across India. At his peak in the 2000s, he had over 40 million followers and a net worth of over Rs 10,000 crores. He was born in 1941 in Berani village located in present-day Pakistan.
2. Is Asaram Bapu still Alive?
Yes, Asaram Bapu is believed to be still alive as of 2023. Though his health has deteriorated in recent years, he is serving a life sentence at the Jodhpur Central Jail since his conviction for rape in 2018. He was reportedly hospitalized for various ailments in 2022 but remains alive.
3. Where is Asaram Bapu Right Now in 2023?
Asaram Bapu is currently incarcerated at the Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan where he is serving his life sentence. He has been in this jail since 2018 due to security concerns given threats from his followers. He occupies a special cell with CCTV surveillance and guards.
4. What is the Asaram Bapu release date?
As of now, there is no scheduled release date for Asaram Bapu. He is serving a life term which means the remainder of his life. His petitions for suspension of sentence and bail on health grounds have been rejected by higher courts so far. Only a successful appeal against the conviction could potentially secure his early release.
5. What were the charges against Asaram Bapu?
The main charges against Asaram were of sexual assault and rape. In 2013, he was arrested on a complaint of raping a 16-year old girl in his Jodhpur ashram. In another case, two Surat-based sisters accused him and his son of rape during 1997-2006.
6. Where are the ashrams of Asaram Bapu located?
At the height of his popularity, Asaram Bapu had over 400 ashrams located across India as well as in other countries. Some of his prime ashrams were the Motera ashram in Gujarat, the Jodhpur ashram in Rajasthan, and ashrams in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat and Bangalore.