Asaram Bapu, the controversial Indian 'godman' who has millions of followers has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of raping a 16-year-old female devotee in his ashram in August 2013.
Of the total five accused in the case, three were found guilty by the court including Asaram, while two were acquitted.
The verdict was announced by a trial court inside the Jodhpur Central Jail in the northern state of Rajasthan where the 77-year-old spiritual guru has been held since he was arrested in 2013.
Speaking to ANI, father of the rape survivor said "Asaram is convicted; we have got justice".
The self-styled guru who is reported to have millions of followers worldwide, and runs over 400 ashrams across India has, however, denied the rape and has maintained that he is innocent.
The godman is also on trial along with his son in another rape case in the state of Gujarat involving two sisters who have accused the two men of sexual assault and illegal confinement.
Meanwhile, special security measures were put in place around the prison complex and the states where the guru has a large number of followers in anticipation of violence by his supporters.
However, Asaram is not the only 'godman' who has been embroiled in a rape case.
In August last year, another popular guru, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two of his female followers.
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The verdict which has come at a time when the country is reeling under a spate of rape incidents has been largely welcomed by people who have been enraged by the recent reports of violence against women.
