Clashes outside Rampal's ashram at Hisar in Haryana
Policemen in riot gear used teargas shells, water-cannons, batons and bulldozers today to enter controversial guru Rampal's sprawling ashram at Hisar in Haryana as thousands of his supporters fought to prevent his arrest in a murder case.
The police could not find Rampal, 63, who has been hiding at his "Satlok ashram" for nearly two weeks, using women and children as shields.
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After entering the "Satlok Ashram" in Barwala town, the police gave Rampal's followers 30 minutes to leave or face firing. That deadline ended at 5 pm.
Armed devotees calling themselves 'Baba's Commandos' had tried to stop the police, armed with acid pouches, sticks and stones, as the 11-day standoff boiled over on Tuesday. Petrol bombs were also thrown at the police.
Thick smoke from the ashram's roof and incessant gunshots this afternoon turned the 12 acre complex into a warzone. Several devotees were injured as the police used batons to disperse them.
Around 100 people, including 40 policemen, are being treated in various hospitals for injuries.
Journalists, including the NDTV crew, were also injured in police action. A policeman was seen in visuals attacking a journalist holding a mic. Chief Minister ML Khattar's office said if there was an incident, "We regret it and will investigate matter."
Rampal, an engineer-turned-guru, has repeatedly ignored court summons to appear for questioning in the 2006 killing of a villager by his supporters. The Punjab and Haryana High Court summoned him after his supporters allegedly attacked a group of lawyers during a hearing on the murder case in July.
The police acted a day after the court ordered the government to arrest Rampal by Friday. The controversial guru has managed to avoid arrest despite three warrants since November 5, fortified by a massive contingent of men, women and children forming a human cordon outside the ashram.
This morning, some of his followers met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and asked for help to prevent his arrest. They were reportedly told that rules need to be followed.
To force Rampal out of hiding, the district has stopped water and power supply to the ashram and blocked food deliveries. Devotees have been leaving the ashram since morning; some alleged that they were "forced" to stay by the baba and his supporters.
The state government argued in court on Monday that Rampal is unwell and cannot be arrested as his supporters could turn violent, but judges said "the will to arrest him is lacking." Rampal has skipped court 43 times in four years.
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