The Punjab and Haryana high court on Monday pulled up Haryana authorities after they failed to produce a self-styled godman, against whom a non-bailable warrant was issued last week in a contempt case, citing resistance by his followers.
Ten days, 6 deaths and after scores were injured, controversial godman Sant Rampal was arrested on Wednesday night from his ashram - Satlok Ashram in Hisar, Haryana.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday appealed to self-styled godman Sant Rampal to present himself before the court in a "peaceful manner", saying one must give utmost priority to uphold the dignity of the judicial system.
The district and police administration on Monday faced an uphill task in dispersing 'godman' Rampal's followers, including a large number of women and children, who had pitched camp at his Satlok Ashram.
Efforts to arrest self-styled 'godman' Rampal, who is holed up in his ashram in Barwala, Haryana will continue, police said on Wednesday morning after suspending the operation overnight following clashes between his supporters and security personnel that left over 200 people injured.
The deadline given by the Haryana police to controversial 'godman' Rampal to surrender and his followers to vacate his ashram has ended. Police said that water and electricity connection to the ashram have been cut off.
A look at few gurus who have attracted controversy in recent times.
Devotees from as far away as Nepal throng Sant Rampal's ashram for blessings, particularly the kheer made from the milk in which he takes his daily bath. That's how revered the godman is. But all that might be coming to an end.
A look at few gurus who have attracted controversy in recent times.
The controversy over Sant Rampal and his army of followers taking the law into their hands has once again thrown the spotlight on the clout that India's godmen possess.