Rampal's followers holed up in ashram; gradually come out

A day after his arrest, followers of self styled 'godman' Rampal were gradually coming out of his ashram here even as the security personnel were treading with caution before launching a full-scale search.

Early this morning, the authorities appealed to the followers still inside the Satlok Ashram to come out telling them that the police and civil administration was out there to help them.

Police said that they suspect some staunch supporters and members of his private commandos were still inside.

Police and para-military forces involved in the operation have been appealing to the followers who are still inside the ashram to come out without any fear, but some were still apprehensive.

Before launching full-scale operation to search Ashram for objectionable items, including arms and ammunition, police said they want to ensure that all innocent followers have come out so as to isolate any of the commandos or other accused who may be still hiding inside.

63-year-old Rampal, who had refused to appear before the High Court in a contempt case claiming he was unwell, was arrested last night from his Satlok Ashram after a two-week long stand off.

Many followers, who came out of the Ashram, told security personnel and the mediapersons that some private commandos of Rampal had been telling them for the past few days that if they venture out of the complex they will be harmed and arrested by the police.

"They created fear and used pressure tactics to hold us back. They kept telling us that as soon as we venture out we will be arrested and put to harm," Indu, a middle-aged woman follower from Madhya Pradesh, told reporters.