Jodpur: The district and sessions court in Jodhpur rejected self-styled godman Asaram Bapus bail plea on Wednesday, he would now have to say in jail at least for the 14-day judicial remand period, unless granted bail on appeal to a higher court.

The verdict on the godmans bail plea came along with the court remanding his caretaker Shiva to three-day police custody.

Asaram Bapu, arrested over allegations of sexual assault on a sixteen year old inmate of his ashram, had applied for bail in the case.

The hearing for the bail plea started on Tuesday and continued on to Wednesday. Around Wednesday afternoon, District and sessions judge Manoj Vyas concluded the hearing and reserved the verdict on the godmans bail plea for the evening.

“The bail plea of Asaram has been rejected and his associate Shiva has been remanded to three-day police custody,” DCP Jodhpur Ajay Pal Lamba said.

He also said the interrogation of Asaram and Shiva had revealed some contradictory statements.

“However, we cannot reveal what these are as they are part of the investigation,” he said.

Asarams lawyer K.K.Manan said the decision of the district court would be appealed.

During the hearing, the prosecution lawyer Anand Purohit alleged that the godman and his supporters were trying to influence the victim’s family. Later in the day, allegations also surfaced over Asaram supporters trying to bribe, and then threaten, the police.

However, the Jodhpur police refused to comment on the issue.

“We do not want to comment on this,” said Mr. Lamba.