RAPE ACCUSER WOMAN (UNNAMED).

▮ Identity sealed · POCSO §23

Prosecution witness, Surat rape case

Gujarat

“An unnamed woman who accused Asaram Bapu of rape went missing along with her family for over a week in January 2014 before resurfacing. Her disappearance highlighted the intense pressure and security risks faced by direct complainants.”

This unnamed individual is one of the complainants who filed a formal rape complaint against Asaram Bapu in Gujarat in late 2013. A former disciple who resided at the Motera ashram, she provided detailed statements to the police regarding the sexual abuse she faced, making her a vital witness for the prosecution in the Gandhinagar trials.

In January 2014, while the investigation was ongoing, the complainant, along with her husband and son, disappeared from their residence in Gujarat, failing to contact the police or their lawyers. The disappearance caused significant concern, with media outlets reporting that they had been abducted or threatened by Asaram's followers to force the withdrawal of the case.

Following a week-long search by the Gujarat Police SIT, the complainant and her family resurfaced safely, reporting that they had temporarily left their home to escape the intense pressure, media focus, and constant threat calls from unidentified devotees. The incident highlighted the psychological and physical strain faced by survivors.

The complainant continued her cooperation with the prosecution, and her statements were part of the legal proceedings. Her identity has been protected by law enforcement under POCSO and IPC guidelines, and she continues to live under security. Her case remains a significant example of the extreme pressure faced by direct survivors during the trials.