Haryana DGP rules out dialogue with Sant Rampal

Haryana's Director General of Police (DGP) S.N. Vashisht on Wednesday firmly said that controversial godman Sant Rampal should surrender before the law and ruled out any possibility of a dialogue with the latter.

"This morning, bodies of four women who died in the ashram were handed to the hospital. The cause of death will be found out after the post-mortem. Sant Rampal should surrender before the law. He is still in the ashram," said Vashisht while presenting an update of the situation in Hisar where the controversial godman's supporters had obstructed the police in arresting him.

"We are sure we will succeed in arresting him and keeping every innocent supporter safe," he added while talking to the media in Chandigarh.

The top cop further said that more than 10,000 innocent people had left the ashram and added that many others were still leaving.

"The supporters are still leaving the ashram; we are hoping that soon all the supporters will go back. Sections of criminal conspiracy, rioting etc. have been issued as of now, investigation is underway," he added.

Meanwhile, Hisar's Inspector General of Police (IGP) Anil Rao said an investigation would be carried out into the cause of the four womens' death.

"There were no death reports yesterday, today four dead bodies have been recovered from inside. An investigation will be done. We are giving safe passage to all those who want to come out," said Rao.

The Haryana Police is making all attempts to nab the controversial 'godman', who continues to evade law and defy the Haryana and Punjab High Court orders to surrender.

The police had yesterday used tear gas shells, water cannons and batons outside the ashram to disperse Rampal's supporters, who allegedly fired back leaving several people, including some media persons injured.

This incident took place after the Punjab and Haryana High Court had issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Rampal for contempt of court.

Rampal faces contempt of court for skipping judicial proceedings before a Sessions Court in Haryana's Hisar district on November 5, citing medical reasons.

The 'godman' has been charged with murder, attempt to murder and other charges under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in 2006 after his followers attacked villagers.