Rape-Convict Godman Asaram's Gujarat Ashram Faces Acquisition Ahead Of India's 2036 Olympics Bid: Reports

The land belonging to Ahmedabad's Asaram Ashram, owned by the convicted godman Asaram Bapu-who is currently serving a life sentence for a rape case-is likely to be taken over as part of India's bid to host the 2036 Olympics, according to India Today.

The Asaram Ashram is one of three ashrams located near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, which is currently under construction, the sources added.

A five-member committee set up by the Gujarat government is reportedly in talks with Asaram Ashram officials to acquire the land for the sports complex. This sprawling development, which includes a proposed Olympic village and additional sports facilities, will span over 650 acres.

The areas surrounding the Narendra Modi Stadium have been earmarked for the forthcoming sports complex, encompassing the Bhat and Koteshwar regions. These two villages are home to several ageing structures, as well as three ashrams-Asaram Ashram, Bharatiya Seva Samaj, and Sadashiv Prajna Mandal-which have faced repeated allegations of illegally encroaching on government land.

Neelam Dubey, spokesperson for the Asaram Ashram, stated that ashram officials had submitted ownership documents to the government following an earlier approach. "The whole matter is in the High Court so we can't comment on it as the matter is sub-judice," Dubey noted.

In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India was pulling out all the stops to win the right to host the 2036 Olympics. Speaking at the opening of the 38th National Games in Dehradun, he highlighted that staging the Games in India would elevate the stature of Indian sports.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has lodged a Letter of Intent with the Future Host Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), officially signalling India's ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036.

The 2028 Summer Olympics are set to take place in Los Angeles, USA, followed by Brisbane, Australia, in 2032. IOC President Thomas Bach has confirmed that 10 cities, including India, have shown interest in hosting the 2036 Games.