Self-proclaimed godman Asaram Bapu is not new to controversies. There has already been an attempt to murder charge against him (remember the mysterious deaths of two boys - Dipesh Weghela and Abhishek Waghela - studying in a residential school in the premises of Asaram's ashram in Ahmedabad in 2008; there are charges relating to tax evasion against him ). This time he is being talked about because he thinks the 23-year-old paramedic was also responsible in some way that led to her being gangraped.

His words are a proof of his criminal mindset (no matter that he was absolved of the charges later). According to Asaram, “Only 5-6 people are not the culprits. The victim daughter is as guilty as her rapists... She should have called the culprits brothers and begged before them to stop... This could have saved her dignity and life. Can one hand clap? I don't think so.”

“…called the culprits brothers and begged before them to stop”, give me a break! As if their hearts would have melted at an instant and their brotherly feelings taken over their libido to let the victim go free. Asaram ji, words can seldom tame people with such brutal instincts. Don’t you think she would have begged before them for her safety?

Now that you have given us this idea of calling one’s assaulter ‘brother’, which may have a positive impact on the person, I would request girls and women to carry a bunch of ‘Rakhi’ in their hand bags. It just might work. Using pepper spray on the attacker would be an act of violence. And enraging the attacker may land you up in more trouble. It’s wise to beg than be in trouble. Right Bapu?

We must not underrate the godman. At least consider the number of years he has given into preaching his devotees. Who else but him would have been struck with this innovative idea of making brothers on crime spot? Thanks Bapu for enlightening us. Those in problem may try it. In case it fails to work, Bapu we will get back to you for some other non-violent suggestion.

Asaram also said that he was against harsher punishments for the accused as the law could be misutilised. I can understand that and my sympathies are with you. I’m not talking of rape but you, too, had a brush with those legal tangles when those buggers/anti-social elements charged you with attempt to murder and evading tax. Thank God, you came out clean!