HC raps Haryana government for not arresting sect leader

The Punjab and Haryana High Court Monday directed Haryana Police to bring before it Friday controversial sect leader Rampal, after he again failed to appear before the court.

Defying non-bailable arrest warrants issued against him, Rampal again failed to appear before the court Monday.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court Monday rapped the Haryana government and the state police for failing to arrest Rampal and present him before the court.

Citing medical reasons through his counsel, Rampal did not appear before the high court again Monday.

Hearing in the matter concerning contempt proceedings against the self-styled godman continued Monday morning.

A division bench of the high court came down heavily on the Haryana government and the police for failing to bring the defiant sect leader before it. The court questioned the state government move to withdraw security forces and police from near the sect ashram near Barwala in Haryana.

A spokesman of the sect leader's Satlok Ashram in Haryana's Barwala town said Monday morning that Rampal was medically not fit to appear before the high court in Chandigarh.

"His medical condition does not permit him to go out. Doctors have advised him bed-rest till Nov 19. We will submit his medical certificate in the court," the ashram spokesman said.

Tension prevailed outside the ashram complex since Sunday as hundreds of security personnel surrounded the complex and thousands of followers of the sect leader also provided a shield to the ashram by camping outside.

Rampal, who is facing charges of murder conspiracy, inciting mobs and contempt of court, was asked to appear before the high court. He has failed to appear before the high court thrice so far.

The high court last week directed Haryana Police and state authorities to arrest and bring him Rampal before the court. The high court bench said that Rampal should be "smoked out even if he is hiding in a bunker".