Sant Rampal arrest: Centre sends 14 CRPF companies to Haryana

The Centre has sent 14 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies to Haryana's Hisar district to monitor the situation around self-styled godman Sant Rampal's ashram in view of the prevailing tension.

Earlier this week, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Rampal, who has been accused of murder.

According to reports, the CRPF personnel will assist the state police in maintaining the law and order situation around Rampal's ashram as his supporters continue to protest against his arrest.

Demanding his release, the self-styled godman's supporters had earlier this week fortified the Satlok Ashram in Haryana. Some of the followers carried double barrel guns while the others gathered outside the ashram with batons and sticks. They blocked the way to the ashram complex to prevent the police and administrative officials from arresting Rampal.

Rampal faces contempt for skipping judicial proceedings before a sessions court in Hisar last Wednesday, after which a non-bailable warrant was issued against him and his aide.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier reserved its order on the issue after counsel for the sect leader submitted a fresh medical certificate stating that Rampal was not medically fit to appear before the court.

The court later posted the hearing of the case on November 17 and pulled up the state's Director General of Police (DGP) and Home Secretary for not arresting Rampal.

This was the third time that Rampal failed to appear before the High Court despite contempt proceedings against him. He had failed to appear before the court earlier on November 5, citing medical reasons.

The court has issued an order stating that the self-styled godman should be arrested before the hearing commences on November 17.

Earlier in 2006, Rampal was charged with murder; attempt to commit murder and other charges under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

He was later released on bail which has now been cancelled due to his absence during the trials.