Asaram: SC judge recuses on plea for probe into missing witness

A Supreme Court judge on Friday recused himself from hearing a plea, seeking Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the mysterious disappearance of a prosecution witness and assaults on other witnesses in a rape case involving self-styled godman Asaram Bapu.

Justice UU Lalit who was part of the Bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur, recused himself without citing a reason. The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 26, before a Bench in which Justice UU Lalit is not a member.

The plea filed by activist Bennet Castelino sought CBI probe into the mysterious disappearance of key prosecution witness Rahul Sachan since November 25 last year. Sachan was also stabbed in Jodhpur court on February 13, 2015 where he was summoned as prosecution witness in the case.