Jodhpur: IBN7 reporter recalls how his team was attacked by Asaram supporters

IBN7 reporter Bhavani Singh recalls how his team was attacked by Asaram supporters outside Jodhpur ashram.

Bhavani Singh: We came to know that the supporters of Asaram are gathering outside his ashram in the outskirts of Jodhpur. Me, my video journalist Manish Zulka and camera assistant Shyam Singh rushed there to talk to them and cover their demonstration.

There was a big crowd and they were looking unfriendly. We stopped at a distance of around 500 meters from the main gate of the ashram, and started the live coverage of the demonstration.

However, the followers of Asaram surrounded us from all sides and started attacking us with stones, rods, bricks and canes. They damaged our camera and other equipments.

They kicked video journalist Manish and hit camera assistant Shyam Singh on his head with a blunt object. They even tore our shirts. Blood started oozing out. We thought that it was the end.

Fortunately, the local villagers rushed there after hearing the commotion and saved us. They even informed the police.

Shyam Singh has suffered a serious injury to his head. He has got eight stitches and has been admitted to the ICU of a private hospital in Jodhpur.

The police have arrested 13 persons including the caretaker of the Aashram. They are being questioned at a local police station. Attempt to murder charges have been slapped against them. We are hoping that they will be punished.

Meanwhile, the police have asked all inmates to vacate the ashram. With every passing day, the followers of Asaram are making our job more difficult. They have been threatening us and have demand that we call Asaram a saint.

If the police doesn't provide adequate security, it will be impossible for journalists to report the alleged sexual assault case.

I am glad that we are still alive with no life threatening injury.