The district and police administration on Monday faced an uphill task in dispersinggodman Rampals followers, including a large number of women and children, who had pitched camp at his Satlok Ashram.

The authorities asked the devotees, who have been sitting in and around the ashram, to disperse and help them comply with the Punjab and Haryana high court directive to produce him before it by Friday in the wake of fresh warrants.

Hisar SP Satender Kumar Gupta used a loud speaker to make an appeal to his followers outside the Ashram.

Those who wish to go home, we will drop you to the railway station, bus stand or facilitate in whatever way we can, Gupta told the followers, who formed a human chain to thwart any attempt to arrest the controversial figure.

Outside the ashram, women followers raised slogans in Rampals favour and appeared to be in a defiant mood.

Official sources said authorities were wary of the possibility of a violent backlash by the followers, who were still present in large numbers inside the ashram and might becarrying lathis, sharp edged weapons and even crude bombs.

Besides, there is an army of armed private commandos of the godman inside the ashram. Aerial surveillance was also being done to keep an eye on the situation.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Barwala, Rajbir Singh said police was at the job andasking the followers to disperse in a peaceful manner.

Since there are a number of women and children present at the site, we are treading with caution. But we are committed to execute the court orders, he said.

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Godman's supporters form human chain around ashram