Navi Mumbai, February 10: Rape convict Asaram Bapu’s banners and posters promoting the ‘Matra Pitru Diwas’ are still visible in several locations in Navi Mumbai. FPJ Journalist Sumit Sharma has captured the banners being placed outside Vashi Railway Station on camera and has shared the video on social media. The video clearly shows the banner being placed at a bus stop outside the station.
Following complaints, the Vashi ward office of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) claimed on Monday that the banners outside Vashi Railway Station had been removed.
However, even after these claims, banners promoting Asaram Bapu were still visible in some areas. When contacted by the Free Press Journal in the morning, the Vashi ward office confirmed that the banners near Vashi railway station had been removed. But when asked about similar banners in Koparkhairne, officials refused to comment, saying it was outside their jurisdiction.
Banners Still Visible in Some Areas
Large posters promoting Asaram Bapu were seen in various public places last week. The issue gained attention when FPJ journalist Sumit Sharma shared images and videos on X (formerly Twitter). He posted pictures of these hoardings in Vashi and Koparkhairne, demanding their removal.
The posters, displayed near Vashi railway station and major bus stops, advertised ‘Parents’ Worship Day’ on February 14, a campaign run by Asaram’s ashram. Many citizens criticised the presence of these advertisements, as Asaram Bapu is a convicted rapist.
Sharma expressed his frustration on X, tagging NMMC officials: “Despite highlighting the matter.. no action taken by @NMMConline.. Rape convict Asaram’s ‘Matru Pitru Diwas’ poster is still there outside Vashi Station.. When @fpjindia reached out to NMMC official, he said it was ‘removed’.”
The banners were organised by the Saint Shri Asaram Bapu Ashram in Ahmedabad, which promotes celebrating February 14 as ‘Matru-Pitru Pujan Diwas’ (Parents’ Worship Day) instead of Valentine’s Day. This campaign has sparked controversy in the past.
Delhi Metro Removed Similar Posters
Earlier this month, similar posters were spotted inside Delhi Metro trains. After public complaints on social media, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) assured commuters that all such advertisements would be taken down.
Details About Rape Convict Asaram Bapu
Asaram Bapu, 83, was convicted in 2013 for raping a minor at his ashram. He is serving a life sentence in Jodhpur jail and was fined Rs 50,000 by the Gandhinagar sessions court.
In December 2024, he was granted a 17-day parole and later returned to jail. However, citing medical reasons, he was granted interim bail until March 31 by the Rajasthan High Court.
