Above: Rape accused godman Asharam Bapu being produced in Court in Jodhpur (file picture). Photo: UNI

The Supreme Court on Friday (November 17) expressed shock that no FIR has been registered against Asaram Bapu in the case of attempted murder of main eyewitness in the Narayan Sai case (Sai was accused of committing repeated sexual assaults between 2002 and 2005 on a woman).

The petitioner submitted to the apex court that states have shown laxity in witness protection schemes. The apex court issued notice to the states asking them to file the replies within six weeks.

Attorney General (AG) KK Venugopal submitted to Supreme Court that there was need for a comprehensive witness protection policy. The Court directed the AG to give suggestions regarding protection policy.

Narayan Sai, son of self-proclaimed godman Asaram Bapu was booked under various sections of the IPC, including rape, unnatural sex, molestation, wrongful confinement etc.

The Court listed the matter for next hearing after 6 weeks.

—India Legal Bureau