Rampal slapped with sedition charge

Fresh cases were filed after clashes broke out at the ashram between the police and self-styled godman's supporters

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In the wake of armed resistance by Rampal's supporters yesterday, the police have slapped sedition and other charges against the controversial 'godman' and several of his followers, including officials of his Satlok Ashram.

Police today said cases were registered last night against Rampal, ashram spokesman Raj Kapoor, another key functionary Purshottam Dass and several other followers under under various Sections of the IPC.

The case has been filed under Sections 121 (waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the government of India), 121A (conspiring to commit certain offences against the state) and 122 (collecting arms etc. with the intention of waging war against the government of India).

Besides, the cases have also been slapped against the accused under Sections 123 (concealing with intent to facilitate design to wage war) and other charges that include attempt to murder, assault and under various Sections of the Arms Act, police said.

The fresh cases were filed after clashes broke out at the ashram between police and Rampal's supporters, who allegedly resorted to firing and threw petrol bombs.

Rampal is already an accused in a murder case.

Earlier this week, Punjab and Haryana High Court gave the government time till Friday to produce Rampal in contempt of court case, after which authorities have been asking the devotees in and around the Satlok Ashram to disperse and help them comply with court order.