SC rejects Asaram Bapu's bail plea in rape case lodged in Gujarat

The Supreme Court Monday rejected the bail plea of self-styled preacher Asaram Bapu, who is facing trial in a rape case lodged against him in Gujarat.

A bench comprising justices N V Ramana and Ajay Rastogi was informed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government, that the trial in the case was going on and 10 witnesses were yet to be examined.

The apex court was hearing Asaram's plea against the January 2015 order passed by the Gujarat High Court which had dismissed his bail application in the case.

Two Surat-based sisters had lodged separate complaints against Asaram and his son Narayan Sai accusing them of rape and illegal confinement among other charges.

The top court, while dismissing Asaram's bail plea, said the lower court will proceed with trial and will not be influenced by the "prima facie" observations made by the Gujarat High Court in its 2015 order.

Last year, a Jodhpur court had sentenced Asaram to life term after finding him guilty of raping .