Asaram seeks dilution of life sentence in mercy plea to governor of Rajasthan

Self-styled godman Asaram, who was convicted for raping a minor girl, has sent a mercy plea to the governor of Rajasthan seeking dilution of his life sentence. State home minister Gulab Chand Kataria who was in Udaipur on Tuesday, said that the law gives every one right to file a mercy petition. However, what are the consequences, only files will tell.

On April 25, a Jodhpur court had sentenced Asaram to life in prison after finding him guilty of raping a teenage girl in his ashram five years ago. Challenging the sentence, Asaram had moved high court on July 2 but the petition is yet to be listed for hearing.

Governor Kalyan Singh, who recently received Asaram’s mercy plea, sent it to the home department seeking a detailed report on the plea.

According to his mercy plea, Asaram has pleaded for dilution in his life sentence terming it to be a “gruelling” punishment and citing his age.

The department then forwarded the plea to the Jodhpur Central Jail administration, which, in turn, has sought a report from the district administration and police.

“We have received Asaram’s mercy plea. We have sought a report from the district administration and police on this mercy plea,” Superintendent of Jodhpur Central Jail Kailash Trivedi said.

After receipt of this report, the jail administration will send it to the Director General (Jail) of Rajasthan. 

(With inputs from PTI)