Asaram Bapu, the self-styled godman, has appealed to the Supreme Court for bail. The 81-years-old Asaram is currently serving a life imprisonment term in Rajasthan after being found guilty of the rape and illegal confinement of a minor by a special court in the state. Asaram has cited his age, health reasons, and no apparent end to the proceedings as reasons for bail. However, the top court has issued a notice to the state of Gujarat in this regard and will hear the case on September 7.

Asaram Bapu’s birth name is Asumal Thaumal Harpalani. He was born in Berani (now in Pakistan) to parents of Sindhi origin. At the age of 15, Asaram fled from his home and came under the wing of a spiritual leader who rechristened him as “Asaram”. He was apparently working a number of odd jobs before becoming a religious leader.

Also Read| FIRs against Nupur Sharma clubbed and transferred: Here’s what it means

The godman has two children, one daughter and one son, Narayan Sai, who was also accused of the rape and illegal detention of a minor along with his father.

Asaram started becoming popular in Gujarat in the early 1970s. His addresses to his followers involved religious sermons infused with a certain amount of humour, songs, and dance. Many notable political leaders like former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and current PM Narendra Modi visited Asaram to seek his support in elections before the allegations were made against him.

Also Read| Justice UU Lalit part of several landmark judgements: A list

Controversies have been an integral part of Asaram Bapu’s later life. He was accused of illegal land encroachment in Gujarat to the tune of Rs. 700 crores. In 2008, a couple of boys went missing from his “gurukul” and their dismembered bodies were later found floating on the Sabarmati’s river bank. Accusations of black magic being practised on the corpses of these boys were made against Asaram and other officials of his residential school.