4 dead bodies of women recovered, over 10,000 have left Rampal's ashram'

Barwala (Haryana), Nov 19: Haryana DGP SN Vashisht has confirmed the recovery of four women's bodies near Rampal's ashram. The cause of death is still not known, the DGP said.

The deceased have been identified as: Savita, Santosh, Malkit Kaur and Rajbala.

In a press conference, the DGP on Wednesday said that as per their information, accused Rampal is still inside the ashram.

"Over 10,000 people have left the ashram. About 5,000 are still being held hosted inside the ashram," the DGP added.

Most of the followers of the self-styled godman said they were forced to stay inside the ashram by volunteers and the private commando force of the sect leader.

Rampal slapped with sedition charge

In the wake of armed resistance by Rampal's supporters on Wednesday, Police have slapped sedition and other charges against the controversial godman and several of his followers that include officials of his Satlok ashram.

Police on Wednesday said cases were registered on Tuesday 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.