Ashram deaths: Inquiry Commission rejects Asaram's plea

Ahmedabad: A judicial commission probing mysterious death of two boys at Asaram Bapu Ashram in Sabarmati on Monday rejected the godman's plea for recording his statement at the Ashram. "The demand and suggestions put forward by Asaram cannot be accepted as it seems just another ploy to delay his appearance before the commission to depose," Justice (retd) DK Trivedi Commission said while rejecting the plea of the controversial spiritual guru.

Cousins Dipesh and Abhishek Vaghela, both residents of Asaram's Motera Ashram, were found murdered on the bed of Sabarmati river in July 2008. The state government had constituted the commission after a huge public outcry over the deaths.

The Commission also made it clear that Asaram will be called for his deposition after his son Narayan Sai appeared before it on November 8. The panel also rejected the plea of the father-son duo seeking a stay on the order so that they can challenge it in the high court.

Cousins Dipesh and Abhishek Vaghela, both residents of Asaram\'s Motera Ashram, were found murdered on the bed of Sabarmati river in July 2008.

In his application, Asaram Bapu had given three options, including recording his statement at Ashram, for his cross-examination. He had requested the commission to either appoint a representative to record his statement, or the chairman himself record his statement at the Ashram in Sabarmati or it should be recorded via video conferencing.

The commission had issued summons to Asaram, along with Narayan Sai, to appear before it for cross-examination in the case, however the father-son duo has delayed their appearance on some pretext or the other till date. Parents of the deceased cousins had alleged that the boys were "sacrificed" as the part of some "black magic ritual" and held Asaram directly responsible for their death.

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