Chandigarh/New Delhi: After the Haryana police arrested self-styled “godman” Rampal, DGP S.N. Vashisht said the bodies found inside the ashram have been sent to a hospital for post-mortem. The police, however, tried to clarify that the ashram inmates had not died in police action.
The 63-year-old is likely to be produced before a bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court around 10 am today. Earlier, the self-proclaimed 'godman' was taken to the Panchkula Civil Hospital for a medical check-up, where he was declared medically fit.
Read: Haryana police arrest ‘Godman’ Rampal, six persons die in face-off in Haryana
Fresh charges of waging war against the country, sedition, criminal conspiracy, and various charges under sections of the Arms Act, among others, were brought against Rampal, ashram spokesperson Raj Kapoor, Das and several followers.
More sections would be added when fresh evidence comes up, the police said.
Earlier on Wednesday the Haryana government had ruled out negotiations with the “godman” and sought Central assistance. The Centre was learnt to be unhappy with the handling of the situation by the state government.
Following a request from the Haryana government, the Centre dispatched 500 CRPF personnel to assist the local police.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh had on Wednesday asked the Manohar Lal Khattar government to use all resources to resolve the issue at the earliest and had assured all Central assistance.
Chief Minister Mr Khattar is likely to meet PM Narendra Modi on Thursday.
Earlier, as armed supporters of the “godman” resorted to firing, stone pelting and throwing of acid and petrol bombs from inside the ashram, the police arrested about 70 of the supporters.
In New Delhi, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said before the arrest was effected that the “situation was not out of control and the state was trying its best to handle the situation effectively.”
