New Delhi, July 17: The woman who has levelled rape-charge against self-styled godman Daati Maharaj has moved a fresh plea before the Delhi High Court, seeking a probe into her allegations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The petitioner's counsel has also demanded the court to order the arrest of Maharaj and his brothers, who have also been named by the complainant in her FIR. The plea also seeks the closure of his two main ashrams in Delhi and Rajasthan.

The Delhi Police, which is currently heading the probe, was earlier reprimanded by the lower court as well as the high court for refraining to arrest Maharaj despite the preliminary investigation giving credence to the allegations levelled by the woman.

"Why Daati Maharaj has not been arrested even though search warrants had been issued in the case?" the lower court had asked in June, while hearing the victim's case.

Police continues to maintain that the inquiry is underway and the arrest would be made after it gathers incrementing evidence.

The rape-charge was levelled against Maharaj in May by his former disciple, who "ran away" from his Gurukul Ashwasan ashram in Rajasthan’s Bal Gram nearly two years ago.

The woman claims she was reeling under depression as the trauma of "sexual assault" perpetrated against her in the ashram continued to haunt her.

After recovering, she narrated the ordeal to her parents who decided to file a police complaint. Based upon the FIR, Maharaj has been booked under sections 376, 377, 354 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Maharaj has dismissed the allegations levelled against her, claiming the girl was always "treated as my daughter" during her stay in his ashrams. Even if he gets convicted, the godman adds, he would continue considering her as his daughter.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2018 06:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).