Asaram's audio clip from Jodhpur jail goes viral; self-styled godman says his time behind bars is short-lived

A purported audio clip of self-styled godman Asaram, who was awarded a life imprisonment for the 2013 rape case, is going viral on social networking sites.

In the 15-minute-long audio tape, surfaced online on Saturday, the controversial spiritual guru is heard saying over the phone that his time behind bars is short-lived and 'good days will come'.

The audio clip might have been recorded during a telephone conversation Asaram had on Friday, according to Jodhpur Central Jail DIG Vikram Singh. The call was made with permission from jail authorities.

"Inmates are permitted to make a call over any two given numbers for 80 minutes in a month. He had spoken to a 'sadhak' at Sabarmati Ashram on Friday at 6.30 pm. May be this communication was recorded (then) and made viral," Singh added.

In a one-way communication which appeared like a telephonic sermon, Asaram first extended his gratitude to his followers for maintaining calm and not coming to Jodhpur on the day of judgment.

"We should respect the law and order and the system. I also do so," he is purportedly heard saying in the audio clip.

He claims a few people are on a campaign to defame his ashram and want to take its control.

Also Read | Lessons to learn from Asaram case; time to rise against those providing protection to fake godmen

"Do not get carried away by such provocations or anything circulated on the letter head of ashram...," Asaram said in the clip.

Referring to co-accused Shilpi and Sharat Chanda, who were handed down 20-year jail terms by the special court, Asaram says he would first arrange for their release from jail "as it is the duty of parents to first think about their children".

"(Even if) more advocates will be required for the release of Shilpi and Sharat, that will be done. Afterwards, Bapu will make way out of the jail," he said.

"If a mistake has happened in the lower court, there are upper courts for rectifying those mistakes," Asaram added.

"Truth has no cover and lie has no legs (to stand upon)... It is immaterial, what the allegations are," he said adding, "good days will come".

At the end of the conversation, he makes Sharat to speak, who says there's nothing to be worried about in the jail.

Also Read | Asaram guilty of raping minor; sentenced to life imprisonment

Apart from this 2013 rape case, Asaram is also facing trial in a separate case, where two sisters from Surat accused Bapu and his son Narayan Sai of sexual assault.

(With inputs from agencies)