Click to play videoAhmedabad: There's more than just religious activity and teaching going on at the ashram of religious leader Asaram Bapu in Ahmedabad. According to the state government, it is a site where black magic is practiced. At least, that's what the Gujarat government has told the High Court on Friday.
The affidavit cites the lie detection tests of three sadhaks (workers) of the ashram who said they knew what was going on. The affidavit was based on a petition filed by the families of two boys who were found dead near the ashram a year ago.
Advocate for petitioner, S K Iyer says, "So far, even an FIR has not been lodged. It's been six months since these tests were done and inaction justifies the demand for a CBI inquiry. We will file a rejoinder."
Exactly one year ago that two ashram boys - Dipesh and Abhikshek - went missing. Their dead bodies were recovered two days later from the Sabarmati riverbed. Police registered a case of accidental death, but parents allege the boys were murdered as part of black magic practice at the ashram.
The state government handed over investigation to the CID and also set up an inquiry commission, but parents want a CBI probe.
Dipesh's father, Prafful Vaghela says, "The CID said that black magic is being practiced in the ashram but no arrests have been made yet, that is why we want the CBI to take over the case."
Abhishek's father, Shantibhai Vaghela adds, "You call yourselves a decisive government? Why take so long in deciding whether to arrest them or not."
The Asaram Ashram, meanwhile, continues to maintain that black magic is not practiced at the ashram.
PRO Asaram Ashram, Uday Sanghani says, "There is nothing of this sort here. This is an attempt to defame the Ashram. We will file a reply after studying the affidavit."
The High Court will now hear the matter on July 15, but the government's affidavit does substantiate claims of black magic at the Ashram.
(With inputs from Gaurav Shah in Ahmedabad)
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