Witness in Asaram Bapu's Surat rape case shot dead

A witness in the Asaram Bapu's Surat rape case, 35-year-old Akhil Gupta, was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Jansath Road under New Mandi police station area here when he was returning home this evening.

Police said Gupta was shot at when he was on his way home and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead.

Gupta was cook and personal aide of self-styled Godman Asaram Bapu, who is in jail in connection with another case of sexual assault on a minor girl.

Two sisters in Surat have accused Asaram and his son Narayan Sai of raping them. Gupta was a witness in the case of rape against Asaram and had recorded his statement before a Gandhinagar court.