Tension in Hisar as police gears to arrest Sant Rampal

Tension prevailed in Haryana's in Hisar district Saturday as thousands of followers of sect leader Rampal geared up to thwart any attempt by the police to arrest him.

Tension prevailed in Haryana's in Hisar district Saturday as thousands of followers of sect leader Rampal geared up to thwart any attempt by the police to arrest him.

HT Image

Additional police personnel were brought in Saturday as police readied itself to forcibly arrest the sect leader from the Satlok Ashram complex near Barwala town, 240 km from here.

Devotees sitting with placards in their hands to protest against against issuance of non bailable warrant against self-styled godman Rampal on Saturday at Barwala of Hisar district. Manoj Dhaka/HT

Hisar-Barwala Road has been blocked and prohibitory orders have been imposed around the ashram while senior police officials are camping in the district and keeping a close eye on the volatile situation. Manoj Dhaka/HT

Those blocking police entry into the ashram include hundreds of women, men and children. Volunteers of the sect have even set up a 'commando protection force' to prevent the police from entering the ashram and arresting their sect leader. Manoj Dhaka/HT

Additional police personnel were brought in Saturday as police readied itself to forcibly arrest the sect leader from the Satlok Ashram complex. Manoj Dhaka/HT

Over one lakh followers have been camping outside the Ashram for over a fortnight after the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued non-bailable warrants against the sect leader earlier this month. Manoj Dhaka/HT

Khattar appealed to Rampal's followers to cooperate in following the directions of the court. Manoj Dhaka/HT

(WITH INPUT FROM AGENCIES)