Rampal arrest: Tight security in Chandigarh, Panchkula

Tight security arrangements were in place in Panchkula in Haryana and adjoining Chandigarh as the Haryana Police Thursday prepared to present controversial sect leader Rampal before the Punjab and Haryana high court.

The security has been put up to keep followers of the self-styled godman at bay and to ensure that they do not break the law here. Special vigil was being maintained at all entry points, railway station and bus stands.

Rampal was arrested by the police Wednesday night from his Satlok Ashram near Barwala town in Haryana's Hisar district, 210 km from here.

Tight security arrangements were made by the Haryana Police and central forces around the Sector 6 General Hospital in Panchkula, 15 km from here, where Rampal was brought early Thursday from Barwala and medically examined.

Doctors at the hospital said that Rampal's health parameters were 'stable' and he was kept in the hospital.

The Chandigarh Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) security all entry points to Chandigarh from Panchkula, other parts of Haryana and from Punjab side.

Police barricades were seen as all entry points to the union territory with security forces in combat uniforms manning these.

The area near the high court, where Rampal will be brought, was secured with scores of para-military forces and Chandigarh Police personnel.

The high court had issued fresh non-bailable warrants against Rampal November 17 and directed that he be presented in court to face contempt proceedings.