Attempt to murder case filed against Asaram Bapu

A complaint has been filed against Asaram Bapu and two others for allegedly attempting to murder a former follower of the religious guru in Ahmedabad, the police said on Sunday.

The FIR has been lodged following an attack on Raju Chandak, who was shot at by two unknown persons in Ramnagar locality of Sabarmati late on Saturday night, they said. According to the police, based on the statement of Chandak, who is recuperating in a private hospital in Ahmedabad, Asaram Bapu has been made the prime accused in the case.

The trio has been booked for attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, among other sections of the Indian Penal Code, the police said. They also face charges under the Arms Act as a pistol was used in the crime, they added. Chandak suffered bullet injuries in his shoulders and chest following which he was refereed to the SAL hospital, where he underwent a surgery, the police said, adding that his condition was stable.

Investigations were going on into the matter, the police said, adding that the motive behind the attack was not yet known. Asaram, who commands a large following in the country, and his followers have been embroiled in controversies in the past.

In July 2008, two students in his ashram in Ahmedabad were found dead in mysterious circumstance. Following the incident and allegations against the ashram, Asaram's followers went on a rampage after they were beaten up by angry locals. His disciples have also been accused of land grabbing in Surat.

Late in November, nearly 200 followers of the religious guru were arrested for allegedly pelting stones and injuring policemen during a rally.