Hindu guru faces indecency trial in Texas, accused of abusing 2 girl followers in 1990s

San Marcos, USA - An elderly Hindu guru faces trial in Central Texas on 20 counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact.

Prakashanand Saraswati, 82, is the founder and spiritual leader of the Barsana Dham ashram in Hays County. He is accused of misconduct with two girls in the 1990s when their families lived at his religious complex.

A Texas judge last October revoked the passport of the spiritual leader, known as Shree Swamiji. He was arrested in April 2008 at Washington Dulles International Airport after arriving on a flight from Europe.

Ashram officials have denied the allegations. Attorneys for Saraswati previously claimed he was too frail for trial and has back trouble.