RailEnquiry

Mumbai: A day after Asaram was arrested by Jodhpur police for allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old girl on the pretext of exorcism, his followers went berserk. Mumbai witnessed demonstrations and severe protests by Asaram’s followers demanding his release. Most of his followers in Mumbai stalled traffic on various roads and occupied major junctions demanding his release.   Traffic came to a standstill and State Reserve Police along with the local police had to be pressed to action. Traffic at various places was diverted to ease tension.    Railway tracks were blocked and trains had to be halted at various railway stations. Protesting against the self-styled godman’s arrest, his followers staged a ‘rail roko’ andolan leaving travel plans of various commuters affected. Railway services were disrupted and commuters left stranded for over an hour due to people sitting on tracks and blocking the passage of trains.    Though some trains had to be cancelled, the protest did not help at all. Asaram was subsequently sent to 14-day judicial custody on Monday.