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God of Sin: The Cult, Clout and Downfall of Asaram Bapu
For decades, Asaram Bapu presided over a politically influential empire built on blind faith. Along with his son and heir, Narayan Sai, he has now become an example of everything that is wrong with self-styled godmen and the cults they spawn. The two stand accused of sexual assaults on vulnerable devotees, land grabbing, money laundering, intimidation, exploitative black magic rituals and the horrific murder of witnesses who testified against them. Politically, Asaram Bapu held significant boroughs of influence across north India and the Hindi belt, and there are photos of him with almost every known political leader throughout the 1990s and 2000s, till his arrest in a sexual assault case in 2013.Asaram originated the business model of branding goods and selling them to followers, using faith as a marketing tool-which other godmen emulated to great success. His commercial empire, now being investigated by economic offences agencies, was built on unaccounted donations, loans given on hefty rates of interest, investments in dubious companies, money laundering and dodgy real estate deals.God of Sin pieces together Asaram's journey to spiritual godhood, his fall from grace and the long and arduous road to bring him to justice.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2018
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May 1, 2019Require books on dirty minded bishops, church fathers and madarasa maulavis also ,I think you publish it soon.
March 1, 2020
This book should have got much more attention than what I see in GoodReads right now. Infact its lack of market penetration is puzzling since there was a lot of publicity of Asaram and Narayan Sai cases and there was a court case by Asaram side for blocking publication of the book. And it is easily available at throw-away prices - I picked it up from a sale where new copies were available for 100 Rs against an MRP of 350. Maybe I should buy a few copies and distribute in my circle.
It presents the complete details of 3-4 major cases/scandals related to Asaram , his son. These cases include Accusation of rape by a Minor whose family were godman's devotees. Rape charges by two Surat sisters against Asaram and his son. Death of 2 Waghela cousins who were studying at Asaram's gurukul school. Murder of 4 witnesses and various ex-devotees by Asaram's henchmen.
Book is well researched and pieces together information bits in a very readable and insightful way. What comes out is essentially a semi-literate petty shopkeeper/hustler who has managed to put a superb facade of spirituality and has evolved from petty hustler to big league of land-grabbing, loan sharking, tax evasion, benami property , sexual exploitation etc. In fact his success as a conman godman is quite impressive in a negative way.
In fact he would have easily slipped out of clutches of law as he had managed in the case of Vaghela cousins mysterious deaths. It was indeed a rare combination of brave minor girl , a very thorough, hard-working and determined lady inspector Mishra and a determined and fearless lawyer Solanki which managed to bring Asaram to justice. A little slip could have easily made Asaram evade the punishment as his side had used all its might with all techniques (Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed) to save asaram. This included murder of 4 key witnesses, intimidation and harrasment of concerned families of the (ex)devotees, a battery of top 25 indian lawyers at various stages including Ram Jethmalani, Salman Khurshid, Subramaniyam Swami, Raju Rachandran, Mukul Rohtagi, KTS Tulasi, Soli Sorabji etc.
While we keep reading about all the nefarious activities going on in many conman godmen's places, it is still difficult to understand the full working and extent of crimes committed so rapaciously. Hence it is recommend to read these kind of books.
In the third part of the book writer has written first about charges of Dark Arts/Occult practices against Asaram and the son. Then second chapter is about Haryana anarchy caused by Godman Rampal and his followers. Then Third chapter is about problems caused by Dera Ram Rahim and his followers. And last chapter tries to show general evolution and psychology of these godmen.
Major part of this section which is not related with Asaram should have been probably put under an Appendix. Also last chapter lacks in-depth and objective research and becomes riddled with easty and sweeping generalizations which feel more like pop-psych article for a lightweight newspaper.
Also we dont get much info about initial life of Asaram. These are minor irritants and do not diminish the great work done by the author and overall importance of the book.
It presents the complete details of 3-4 major cases/scandals related to Asaram , his son. These cases include Accusation of rape by a Minor whose family were godman's devotees. Rape charges by two Surat sisters against Asaram and his son. Death of 2 Waghela cousins who were studying at Asaram's gurukul school. Murder of 4 witnesses and various ex-devotees by Asaram's henchmen.
Book is well researched and pieces together information bits in a very readable and insightful way. What comes out is essentially a semi-literate petty shopkeeper/hustler who has managed to put a superb facade of spirituality and has evolved from petty hustler to big league of land-grabbing, loan sharking, tax evasion, benami property , sexual exploitation etc. In fact his success as a conman godman is quite impressive in a negative way.
In fact he would have easily slipped out of clutches of law as he had managed in the case of Vaghela cousins mysterious deaths. It was indeed a rare combination of brave minor girl , a very thorough, hard-working and determined lady inspector Mishra and a determined and fearless lawyer Solanki which managed to bring Asaram to justice. A little slip could have easily made Asaram evade the punishment as his side had used all its might with all techniques (Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed) to save asaram. This included murder of 4 key witnesses, intimidation and harrasment of concerned families of the (ex)devotees, a battery of top 25 indian lawyers at various stages including Ram Jethmalani, Salman Khurshid, Subramaniyam Swami, Raju Rachandran, Mukul Rohtagi, KTS Tulasi, Soli Sorabji etc.
While we keep reading about all the nefarious activities going on in many conman godmen's places, it is still difficult to understand the full working and extent of crimes committed so rapaciously. Hence it is recommend to read these kind of books.
In the third part of the book writer has written first about charges of Dark Arts/Occult practices against Asaram and the son. Then second chapter is about Haryana anarchy caused by Godman Rampal and his followers. Then Third chapter is about problems caused by Dera Ram Rahim and his followers. And last chapter tries to show general evolution and psychology of these godmen.
Major part of this section which is not related with Asaram should have been probably put under an Appendix. Also last chapter lacks in-depth and objective research and becomes riddled with easty and sweeping generalizations which feel more like pop-psych article for a lightweight newspaper.
Also we dont get much info about initial life of Asaram. These are minor irritants and do not diminish the great work done by the author and overall importance of the book.
January 28, 2025
"God of Sin" by Ushinor Majumdar presents a compelling investigative narrative focused on the allegations against self-styled godman Asaram Bapu and his son Narayan Sai. One of the standout features of the book is its rigorous investigation and integrity of the documentations. Majumdar provides detailed references for his claims, including interviews, articles, and video links. This transparency allows readers to verify sources and engage critically with the material, enhancing the credibility of the investigation.
The book delves deeply into specific allegations—three or four key cases against Asaram and Narayan Sai—offering a meticulous account of the events surrounding these accusations. Through vivid storytelling and well-researched content, Majumdar reveals how figures like Asaram exploit the faith and vulnerability of their followers, leading to a compelling examination of the darker aspects of religious leadership.
Readers will find the narrative both engaging and enlightening, as it highlights the mechanisms of manipulation employed by such godmen. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by charismatic leaders who exploit the deeply held beliefs of their followers. Overall, "God of Sin" is not just an exposé; it's a broader commentary on faith, vulnerability, and morality, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality and ethics.
The book delves deeply into specific allegations—three or four key cases against Asaram and Narayan Sai—offering a meticulous account of the events surrounding these accusations. Through vivid storytelling and well-researched content, Majumdar reveals how figures like Asaram exploit the faith and vulnerability of their followers, leading to a compelling examination of the darker aspects of religious leadership.
Readers will find the narrative both engaging and enlightening, as it highlights the mechanisms of manipulation employed by such godmen. It serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by charismatic leaders who exploit the deeply held beliefs of their followers. Overall, "God of Sin" is not just an exposé; it's a broader commentary on faith, vulnerability, and morality, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality and ethics.
January 27, 2023
3.5 stars
Overview
The book walks through the rise and fall of Asaram Bapu, who presided over a politically influential empire built on blind faith. Along with his son Narayan Sai, he was accused of sexual assaults, land grabbing, money laundering, intimidation, exploitative black magic rituals and the horrific murder of witnesses who testified against them. His commercial empire(said to be worth around Rs 10,000 Cr), now being investigated by economic offences agencies, was built on unaccounted donations, loans given on hefty rates of interest, investments in dubious companies, money laundering and dodgy real estate deals.
Conclusion
An average read, God of Sin pieces together Asaram's journey to spiritual godhood, his fall from grace and the long road to bring him to justice. The last part of the book was too stretched with discussion around other godmans which i felt were irrelevant.
Overview
The book walks through the rise and fall of Asaram Bapu, who presided over a politically influential empire built on blind faith. Along with his son Narayan Sai, he was accused of sexual assaults, land grabbing, money laundering, intimidation, exploitative black magic rituals and the horrific murder of witnesses who testified against them. His commercial empire(said to be worth around Rs 10,000 Cr), now being investigated by economic offences agencies, was built on unaccounted donations, loans given on hefty rates of interest, investments in dubious companies, money laundering and dodgy real estate deals.
Conclusion
An average read, God of Sin pieces together Asaram's journey to spiritual godhood, his fall from grace and the long road to bring him to justice. The last part of the book was too stretched with discussion around other godmans which i felt were irrelevant.
August 16, 2019
Investigative Journalism is by far the most scintillating reads. Be it Rana Ayyub's : The Gujarat Files, Anurag Tripathi's : Dera Sacha Sauda or this piece on Asaram Bapu. It demands the reportage to be super courageous, to unveil the gory functioning within the religious cult.
Asumal Harpalani, popularly called Asaram Bapu, is one such cult who went onto amass illegal lands, sexually exploit followers, conspire into murders and so on.
People; stop this tomfoolery and don't get conned by these self-proclaimed Babas. Keep your eyes open for a wiser and a wider reasoning. तथास्तु! 📚
Asumal Harpalani, popularly called Asaram Bapu, is one such cult who went onto amass illegal lands, sexually exploit followers, conspire into murders and so on.
People; stop this tomfoolery and don't get conned by these self-proclaimed Babas. Keep your eyes open for a wiser and a wider reasoning. तथास्तु! 📚
January 4, 2019
A scary look at the misdeeds of Assa Ram & Gang.
August 16, 2020
How a idiot become author,, pls dear ones don't waste your time,, if you want to read all lies and bullshit,, go for it,, by by
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May 4, 2019
There is a big Conspiracy behind this allegation against Asharam Bapu (83) and Narayan Sai which is also not limited to them but also against their wife (75+) and daughter. Just think about it Can anyone who devoted his whole life for the society and changes the life of lakhs/crores of people can do such things when he is at the senior citizen stage? If any person hasn't done such activity in his young/adult age? Can he do such things when he is above 75+ yrs? This is just the conspiracy against Hinduism and its Saints and people like him (Author) plays at the hands of Christian Missionaries and few corrupt politicians and gives us the proof of his negative attitude towards the Hinduism as well as towards the society. Finally, I must say here Shame on You Author (Ushinor Majumdar) to publish such books based on fake stories and to defame Hinduism in the world. You proved that you have no self-realization power to differentiate the truth and fake stories. Watch this
https://twitter.com/WakeUpHindu/statu...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews