Rampal's police remand extended

A court in Haryana's Hisar town Tuesday extended the police remand of controversial sect leader Rampal by six days.

The court had sent Rampal to police remand for five days last week after cases of murder, sedition, attempt to murder, rioting, illegal detention and other sections were registered against him.

Police sought extension of Rampal's remand saying that he had to be questioned regarding activities of his sect and his key aides.

Rampal was arrested Nov 19 from his Satlok Ashram near Barwala in Hisar district after a stand-off and clashes between his supporters and security forces last Tuesday.

Brought here for investigations into the latest cases against him, he was taken by police to his ashram complex Sunday for investigations.

Police investigations have revealed a multi-million rupee empire of the sect leader spread in Haryana and other states. Police and other agencies are investigating investments worth millions made by Rampal, his key aides and his sect in real estate, transport business and other areas in recent years.

Police have also recovered arms and ammunition and other things which were used by his private commandos and supporters to give a stiff resistance to security forces last week to prevent them from entering the ashram complex.

Luxury facilities were also found inside Rampal's sprawling 12-acre ashram complex near Barwala, 210 km from here.

Rampal's bail in a 2006 murder case was cancelled by the Punjab and Haryana High Court last Thursday and he was sent to judicial custody in that case. He is facing another case of contempt in the high court where he will be produced Nov 28.