Rampal arrested from ashram, whisked away in ambulance

Controversial sect leader Rampal was arrested from his fortified Satlok Ashram here by Haryana Police Wednesday evening, officials said.

He was whisked away in an ambulance which was followed by a number of police vehicles.

"We have arrested him. He is in our custody. He is being taken to hospital for medical examination," a senior police officer said outside the ashram near this town.

"He will be produced in the relevant court tomorrow (Thursday)," he said.

Police sources said Rampal would be taken to Chandigarh after medical examination. He is likely to be presented in a court there Thursday.

There was not much resistance offered by Rampal's supporters and his private army when he was finally taken into custody after 9 p.m., a police officer told IANS.

Sources said Rampal's face was covered with a cloth when he was brought out from inside the ashram.

Rampal had remained elusive for the last nearly 15 days after the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued non-bailable warrants against him Nov 5.

The high court had directed Haryana Police to present him before the court Nov 21.

Supporters of Rampal had clashed with security forces Tuesday to prevent them from entering the ashram premises. The area around the ashram resembled a battlefield as sect supporters battled the police.