Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana high court has sent controversial Godman Rampal in judicial custody till November 28 and directed the Haryana DGP to file an affidavit in the contempt of court proceedings case against him by November 28. "There should be checks on other deras and ashrams," the high court observed. Earlier, Rampal was put behind the bars after the high court cancelled the bail granted to him in a 2006 murder case.
Rampal who remained elusive was arrested from his fortified Satlok Ashram near Barwala in Haryana. At least six people lost their lives in the stand-off, while many of his key aides and around 450 supporters were also arrested. The death of five women and an infant occurred during a stand-off and violent clashes between the controversial sect leader's followers and the security forces.
Police have booked Rampal - who is already facing charges of murder, inciting mobs and contempt of court - for sedition. Rampal claimed that he was innocent. "I am innocent. All the charges against me are baseless," he told journalists. A division bench of the high court earlier cancelled the bail granted to the self-styled Godman in April 2008.
Guns, bombs & pregnancy strip found
Security agencies suspect Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Nepal Maoists trained Rampal’s private army as the godman had good relations with them. Meanwhile, a huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the Satlok Ashram. A Haryana police spokesman said three .32 bore revolvers, 19 air guns, two DBL of .12 bore, two .315 bore rifles, 28 live cartridges of .32 bore, 50 live cartridges of .12 bore, 25 live cartridges of .315 bore and one chili grenade was found in the ashram. The team also found acid syringes, helmets, sticks, 20 pairs of black dresses, petrol bombs, a catapult, two empty cartridges of .12 bore, a cushion bed, other beds and two tanks with 800 litres of diesel. A pregnancy test strip was also found in a room adjacent to that of Rampal.
Police have booked Rampal - who is already facing charges of murder, inciting mobs and contempt of court - for sedition. He has also been booked for attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, illegal detention, rioting and preventing government servants from performing duties.
