Indore/New Delhi/Jodhpur: Self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, facing a serious sexual assault charge from a minor, spent the entire duration of his flight from Indore to Delhi, with his eyes closed, clutching his rosary bead and chanting mantra Om Om.
The 74-year-old spiritual guru refused when the air hostess came forward to offer him breakfast.
He asked for water and the morning newspaper.
One of the co-passengers later said: "The baba told people the whole world is watching. I will come out clean. I appeal to all to maintain peace."
Another co-passenger said: 'The baba looked very upset. He was not even speaking. He was only praying to God."
From Delhi, the baba was taken by Jodhpur police in Air India flight no AI 475 in Economy Class seat no. 20.
Four Rajasthan Armed Constabulary battalions and three Special Task Force battalions have been deployed at Jodhpur airport to protect Asaram Bapu. A large number of Asaram supporters who had gathered near the airport, have been asked to stay away.
Jodhpur police has decided to bring Asaram Bapu and the ashram sewadar Shiva face-to-face during interrogation. Shiva was the sewadar who was present in the ashram that night, when, according to the complaint, the baba sexually assaulted her.
