The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) came under sharp criticism after advertisements featuring self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram Bapu were spotted inside metro premises. A lawyer took to social media to condemn the display of the ads and demanded action, prompting a response from DMRC, which assured the removal of the promotional material.
The lawyer shared two images showing posters promoting Parents Worship Day, featuring photographs of Asaram Bapu. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he criticised DMRC for allowing a convicted rapist’s images to be displayed in a public space.
"Shame @OfficialDMRC. How can Delhi Metro allow a criminal who is convicted under RAPE CHARGES, and spending his conviction inside jail, endorse his posters, pics etc inside the Delhi Metro rail? Highly shameful act by #DelhiMetro," he wrote.
Following the backlash, DMRC responded, stating that it had instructed the responsible licensee to remove the advertisements.
"DMRC has issued immediate instructions to the licensee to get these advertisements removed from the Metro premises at the earliest. The process of removal of these ads shall be started tonight. However, it may take some time for their removal from the system," the organisation posted.
The controversy triggered a range of reactions from social media users. Some questioned how such advertisements were approved in the first place, while others disagreed with DMRC’s decision to take them down.
One user wrote, "How come you guys put such ads instantly and then take so many days to remove them?" Another, opposing DMRC’s move, stated, "I strongly disagree with this decision and urge you to reconsider. Celebrating #ParentsWorshipDay would have a profoundly positive impact on society and the younger generation."
Another person highlighted concerns about previous controversial advertisements in metro spaces, commenting, "This is the second such case where objectionable ads have been put up in a public space. The last one was an insensitive ad related to breast cancer. I hope there is a proper mechanism to approve these ads before they are displayed." Meanwhile, some users appreciated DMRC’s swift response, with one saying, "Appreciation for the prompt action."
Asaram Bapu was convicted in 2023 by a court in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in a rape case registered against him in 2013. The case was based on a complaint by a woman who alleged that he sexually assaulted her multiple times between 2001 and 2006 while she was staying at his ashram.
An FIR was lodged at Chandkheda police station in Ahmedabad, leading to legal proceedings. Special Public Prosecutor R.C. Kodekar, during the 2023 conviction, stated, "The court has accepted the prosecution case and convicted Asaram under sections 376(2)(C) (rape), 377 (unnatural offences) and other provisions of the Indian Penal Code for illegal detention, among others."
Currently serving a life sentence, Asaram was granted interim bail earlier this year until 31 March on medical grounds.
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