Delhi gangrape: Asaram Bapu holds girl responsible, says 'spare' rapists, slams media

Dubey said Asaram was trying ta drive home the point that incidents like the gangrape of the girl could have been avoided by reciting mantras, by reciting names of Gods. "If she(victim) would have taken God's name or recited a mantra God inside her might have suggested her to how to avoid such crimes," she said, seeking to explain Asaram's remarks.

"He was giving that idea to his devotees. He was citing the gangrape incident to say one should use commonsense to avoid such incidents," she added.

Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said religious leaders should give serious thought before they speak out.

Survey: Delhi gangrape: Then & Now

New anti-rape law may be misused: Asaram

Faridabad: Claiming that an "anti-men" campaign is being driven following the Delhi gangrape incident, spiritual guru Asaram Bapu today cautioned that any new law on crime against women may be misused by vested interests.

"After the Delhi gangrape incident, an anti-men campaign appears to be on. Women should be respected but no new law should be framed which can be misused by vested interests....," he said addressing his followers in Bhankari village here on outskirts of Delhi.

He cited the anti-dowry Act and the SC/ST Act and claimed that they have also been misused.

On the controversy over his remark on the Delhi gangrape victim, the guru said, "I only meant that had even one of the six accused taken 'diksha' (initiated into his teachings), the crime would not have occurred."

He blamed the television channels "who get funding from abroad" for creating controversy over his remarks.

"I am amused and I also pity them," Asaram said.

Protests held against Asaram Bapu's comments on Delhi gangrape

Ahmedabad: Nearly 100 activists of Bharatiya Samajik Sena, an organisation claiming to fight social evils, today protested here against self-styled godman Asaram Bapu's alleged remarks that the Delhi gangrape victim should have addressed the rapists as her "brother".

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