Asaram Bapu: Controversial Indian guru convicted of rape

A high-profile spiritual guru in India with a huge following was found guilty of raping a teenage girl in 2013, news reports said.

The judge announced the verdict against Asaram Bapu, 77, inside a jail in the northern state of Rajasthan on Wednesday, as heavy security was deployed in the region to prevent violence by his followers.

The guru was convicted for the rape of the 16-year-old girl at his ashram, Utsav Bains, the victim's lawyer told broadcaster NDTV.

He faces a maximum punishment of life in prison for the crime, Bains said.

Asaram has 400 ashrams that teach meditation and yoga, and he has millions of followers around the world.

The controversial guru is also on trial, along with his son, in another rape case in which two sisters have accused the men of rape.

Source: Al Jazeera