Swami Freed of Rape, Newsday, July 17, 2007

Swami Freed of Rape

Newsday
July 17, 2007

http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,60715.html

Trinidad and Tobago — The State conceded yesterday there was no evidence to make out a prima facie case for rape against 85-year-old international Swami (Hindu priest), Jagadguru Ram Tripathi Maharaj.

As a result, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Roger Gaspard, informed the court that the DPP's department was discontinuing the matter against the Swami.

HOLY MAN FREED: Indian-born Swami Jagadguru Ram Tripathi Maharaj, 85, (centre) issurrounded by supporters outside the San Fernando Magistrates' Court after he was freed of a sexual assault charge.
Photo by Anil Rampersad

Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington, presiding in the San Fernando First Magistrate's Court, then informed the Swami that he was free to go.

This order brought cries of jubilation from the crowd which had gathered in and outside the courtroom, and exchanges of hugs between devotees of the Swami.

Swami Tripathi Maharaj was alleged to have raped and molested a 22-year-old Guyanese woman in a prayer-room, at a house at which he was staying in San Fernando, when she visited him in May.

When the matter was called yesterday morning, Gaspard told the court that the State's evidence in the matter was tenuous and they (the State) would not be able to make out a prima facie case against Maharaj. Gaspard then made an application before the court to have the matter discontinued. Magistrate Wellington said no evidence was offered and he then dismissed the matter.