Visit ashram or record statement via video-conference: Asaram to panel

Gurukul boys' death Says anti-social elements may create issues if he appeared in person

Evading summons of the D K Trivedi Commission on one more occasion, Asaram Bapu has moved an application before the panel requesting it to come to his ashram to question him because of a number of reasons, including law and order.

The Commission is probing into the circumstances under which two minor boys from the ashram-run gurukul were found dead a few days after they went missing in July 2008.

Asaram was summoned by the Commission on Friday. However, on Thursday, he moved an application before the Commission through his lawyer and contended that he could not appear before the Commission in person.

According to Asaram, there could be issues of law and order if he appeared in person before the Commission. He cited two incidents of 2008 and 2009 when his followers had a clash with public and police over a connected issue. He also contended that there was a possibility that some anti-social elements might create issues if he appeared in person.

Asaram has stated that the Commission can appoint a representative who could visit his ashram for his examination and cross-examination or Commission chairman Justice (retired) D K Trivedi could himself visit the ashram. He has also given the option of recording his statement through video-conferencing, cost of all of which could be borne by him.

The application has been kept for hearing on October 23.

Asaram and his son Narayan Sai have been summoned by the Commission. However, the duo has been evading the appearance since long.

In July 2008, two minor boys from ashram-run gurukul were found dead under mysterious circumstances at the Sabarmati riverbed in Motera.

The incident had witnessed a public agitation against the ashram with allegations that the boys had felling prey to some exorcist there attempting to attain black magic.

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