Murder-accused ’Godman’s’ Followers Keep Police on Edge in Haryana

Mangalore Today News Network

Chandigarh, Nov 10, 2014:  Armed followers of a self-styled godman on trial for murder have kept the police on edge in Haryana. Rampal, who calls himself a spiritual leader and runs "Satlok Ashram" in Hisar, was to be arrested but the state government has now decided against it, fearing tension.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had asked the government to produce Rampal today in connection with a petition filed by a group of lawyers who were attacked by his followers. The petition asks the court to cancel the godman’s bail.

A warrant was issued against him on November 5 but the state government reportedly feels arresting Rampal will lead to violence and law and order problems.

He hasn’t been seen since the warrant but a TV screen at his ashram shows him speaking to his "disciples".

There is tight security in Hisar and also Chandigarh, where Rampal’s followers have threatened to protest at the high court.

On Sunday, protesters armed with helmets, sticks and other weapons formed a protecting cordon around his ashram in Hisar. Chandigarh’s borders were sealed to stop the city being overrun by followers of Rampal, who have been gathering at the railway station since the arrest warrant.

Police and paramilitary personnel have been posted across the city, especially at bus and railway stations.

Last year, Rampal’s followers had clashed with villagers in Rohtak and three people were killed.

Rampal is out on bail in a similar incident in 2006, when his supporters opened fire on villagers.

He shifted base from Chandigarh to Hisar’s Barwala after he got bail. But he failed to appear before the court in the ongoing case on November 3, after which the court ordered his arrest.

 

Courtesy: NDTV