HC raps Haryana govt for not arresting sect leader

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana high court on Monday directed Haryana police to bring before it by Friday controversial sect leader Rampal, after he again failed to appear before the court. Defying non-bailable arrest warrants issued against him, Rampal again failed to appear before the court on Monday.
The court also rapped the Haryana government and the state police for failing to arrest Rampal and present him before the court. Citing medical reasons through his counsel, Rampal did not appear before the high court again. Hearing in the matter concerning contempt proceedings against the self-styled godman continued on Monday morning.
The court questioned the state government move to withdraw security forces and police from near the sect's ashram. A spokesman of the sect leader's Satlok Ashram in Haryana's Barwala town said  that Rampal was medically not fit to appear before the high court. "His medical condition does not permit him to go out. Doctors have advised him bed-rest till Nov 19. We will submit his medical certificate in the court," the ashram spokesman said.
Tension prevailed outside the ashram complex since Sunday as hundreds of security personnel surrounded the complex and thousands of followers of the sect leader also provided a shield to the ashram by camping outside.  
Clashes broke out at the ashram: Meanwhile, reports said that more than 100 people were injured when clashes broke out at the ashram premises. Supporters of the controversial godman opened fire on the police. The police also fired tear gas shells resulting in injuries to several people.