Jaipur, March 15 (NationPress) Rape convict Asaram landed in Jodhpur on Saturday following his release on interim bail. The Rajasthan High Court approved his bail on February 14, granting him a temporary release of 75 days for medical reasons.

He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor student at a Gurukul and is serving a life sentence.

Upon reaching Jodhpur from Indore, Asaram refrained from addressing the media at the airport. After his release, Asaram (86) proceeded to his ashram located in Pal village under substantial security measures.

In addition to the High Court's ruling, the Supreme Court had also granted him interim bail on January 7, citing medical reasons while enforcing several restrictions, including a prohibition on meeting large groups of followers. He was serving a life sentence related to a 2013 rape case filed in Gujarat. To secure his release, a similar order was necessary in a Rajasthan case for the assault of a minor girl.

“He is in his last leg,” remarked a bench led by Justice MM Sundresh, which agreed to entertain his request for temporary suspension of sentence purely based on medical grounds, without addressing the merits of the accusations against him.

Considering his advanced age of 86 years, with 99 percent heart blockage and a history of heart attacks, the court stated, “He is on his deathbed. Regardless of the nature of the crime, when the convict's health is at stake, the responsibility lies with the state and the court. Allow him this facility; no one will fault you or us.”

Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, representing Asaram alongside advocate Rajesh Inamdar, emphasized that his client's condition indicates bleak chances of survival. He raised concerns regarding the presence of armed constables, fearing they may interfere with his medical choices.

Prior to his release, Asaram was hospitalized at the Government Super Specialty Hospital in Indore. A team of specialist doctors conducted medical evaluations and suggested further tests to determine his medication needs. During this time, he stayed at his ashram situated on Khandwa Road, Indore.

As per the court's stipulations, Asaram is not allowed to meet any of his devotees or followers throughout his bail period. He is also restricted from making any public statements. Nonetheless, a video recently circulated on social media, purportedly showing Asaram giving a sermon in Indore.

Asaram has filed a petition with the Gujarat High Court seeking an extension of his interim bail. Currently, he is on bail until March 31.