Supporters outside Rampal's ashram in Hisar, Haryana
Thousands of men, women and children formed a human shield today outside an ashram in Hisar, Haryana to guard Rampal, a self-styled godman, who faces arrest in a murder case.
A non-bailable warrant was issued against Rampal by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, but the police have not arrested him till now.
Several supporters of Rampal are reportedly inside the ashram with guns, say local intelligence units. They further claim that people have even come from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh with licensed guns like a .315 bore pistol.
"We are aware that around 15,000 people are present at the ashram and that some of them have guns. But because of the large presence of women and children and old people, we would not want to take any drastic step before the next court date," said Amit Dahiya, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Hisar.
There has been no violence so far, but the police are keeping a close watch. Rampal's supporters say they will do everything possible to stop the arrest of their 'Maharaj.' Many of them can be heard shouting slogans as media cameras swoop in.
Rampal, who runs "Satlok Ashram" in Hisar, is facing trial in a 2006 case when his supporters opened fire on villagers, killing one and injuring several others in Rohtak. Since 2010, Rampal has skipped court hearings 42 times, after seeking repeated exemptions.
This time, the court has ordered Rampal to appear by November 17.
In court, Rampal's lawyer said that he is in "the ICU inside his ashram" and will appear on the next hearing if he recovers.
But his supporters say otherwise.
Purushottam Das, spokesperson of Rashtriya Samaj Sewak Samiti, an organization run by Rampal, said, "We want a CBI probe. Even if Maharaj gets better, we will not let him go to court."