FIR filed against Asaram Bapu, two others

The FIR has been lodged following an attack on Raju Chandak, who was shot at by two unknown persons in Ramnagar locality of Sabarmati late last night, they said.

According to the police, based on the statement of Chandak, recuperating in a private hospital here, Asaram has been made the prime accused on whose alleged instance the two men fired at him while he was returning home on a motorcycle.

The trio has been booked for attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy, among other sections of the IPC, police said.

They also face charges under the Arms Act as a pistol was used in the crime, they added.
Chandak suffered bullet injuries in his shoulders and chest following which he was refereed to the SAL hospital, where he underwent a surgery, the police said, adding his condition was stable.

Investigations were on into the matter, the police said, adding that motive behind the attack was not yet known.

Asaram, who commands a large following in the country, and his followers have drawn controversies in the past.

In July 2008, two students in his ashram in Ahmedabad were found dead in mysterious circumstance. Following the incident and allegations against the ashram, Asaram's followers went on a rampage after they were beaten up by angry locals.

His disciples have also been accused of land grabbing in Surat.

Late last month, nearly 200 followers of the religious guru were arrested for allegedly pelting stones and injuring policemen during a rally.