Published November 19, 2014

Nov. 18, 2014: Supporters of controversial Indian guru Sant Rampal displaying his photographs, chant slogans praising him as they gather to show support at a protest venue near the Indian Parliament in New Delhi, India. In the neighboring Haryana states Hisar district, several supporters were injured on Tuesday after police searching for Rampal stormed an ashram where he was believed to be holed up.(AP)

NEW DELHI At least six people have died during a standoff between police and a religious leader who is believed to be holed up inside his sprawling ashram in northern India along with thousands of devotees, some of whom are armed, police said Wednesday.

The Hindu guru, 63-year-old Sant Rampal, is wanted for questioning in a 2006 murder case, but has repeatedly ignored orders to appear in court.

Riot police tried to storm the ashram in Haryana state on Tuesday, but Rampal's followers, some of them using guns, rocks and batons, fought them off, authorities said. About 200 people were injured, including security forces.

On Wednesday, the guru's followers handed over to police the bodies of four women who apparently died inside the 12-acre complex, about 110 miles from New Delhi. Earlier in the day, a woman and an 18-month-old child died in a hospital after leaving the ashram.

The circumstances of the deaths were not clear. Autopsies were being conducted and police were investigating.

Gurus and Hindu holy men are immensely popular in India, with millions of followers. People often consult gurus before taking important personal decisions. But the enormous power wielded by the self-styled holy men has also led to several scandals in which they have been accused of exploiting devotees.

Shriniwas Vashisht, director-general of police in Haryana, said many of the thousands of people holed up with Rampal were being held against their will or were being used as human shields to prevent police action.

"They know that we will not allow innocent women and children to be caught in the crossfire and they are taking advantage of that," Vashisht said.

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Standoff at ashram in northern India leaves 6 dead