Rape Convict Asaram’s Matru-Pitru Pujan Diwas Banners Spotted Outside Vashi Station In Navi Mumbai; ‘Posters Removed,’ Says NMMC Official |
Mumbai: Days after Delhi residents raised concerns over posters of rape convict Asaram Bapu on public transport, similar hoardings appeared in Navi Mumbai last week, sparking outrage. However, following public complaints, officials from the Vashi ward office of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) on Monday confirmed that the banners outside Vashi railway station were removed.
The ward office when contacted by the Free Press Journal in the morning today, confirmed that the banners in the vicinity of the Vashi railway station have been taken down. When enquired about banner ads in Koparkhairne, the Vashi ward office refused to comment due to jurisdiction issues.
Asaram Bapu’s Banners Surface In Navi Mumbai
Large banners promoting Asaram Bapu were spotted across various public spaces last week, drawing criticism from citizens. The issue gained traction when local resident Sumit Sharma shared images on X, highlighting the presence of these hoardings in Vashi and Kopar Khairane. The posters, seen near Vashi railway station and key bus stops, promoted ‘Parents’ Worship Day’ on February 14, a campaign run by Asaram’s ashram.
Sharma condemned the display of posters featuring a convicted rapist and demanded immediate action from authorities. He tagged NMMC officials on X, expressing shock and disappointment: “Hoardings of ‘Parents Day’ ads featuring the rape convict outside Vashi Station, Koparkhairne… SHAME @NMMCCommr… Sir kindly take action.”
The advertisements, organised and posted by the Saint Shri Asaram Bapu Ashram in Ahmedabad, aimed to encourage people to celebrate February 14 as ‘Matru-Pitru Pujan Diwas’ (Parents’ Worship Day) instead of Valentine’s Day. The campaign, often promoted by Asaram’s followers, has sparked controversy in the past.
Delhi Metro Removes Asaram Bapu’s Poster Ads Following Outrage
Earlier this month, Delhi metro commuters also raised objections to similar posters inside train coaches. After multiple complaints on social media, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) assured citizens that all such advertisements would be taken down.
Asaram Bapu’s Legal Status
Asaram Bapu, 83, was convicted in 2013 for raping a minor at his ashram and sentenced to life imprisonment in a Jodhpur jail. The Gandhinagar sessions court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on him.
In December 2024, he was granted a 17-day parole and returned to jail in early January. However, citing medical reasons, he has now been released on interim bail until March 31. The Rajasthan High Court granted Asaram bail until March 31, citing his age and deteriorating health.
