Updated 11/16/2014 10:41:38 AM IST

Barwala (Hisar): Tension today prevailed around the Satlok Ashram of self-styled godman Rampal even as authorities treaded with caution to avert any violent backlash from supporters of the controversial godman facing arrest in a contempt of court case.

Last round of talks were going on between the authorities and representatives of self-styled godman. Heavy police personnel were deployed including commandos.

As authorities raced against time to meet the Monday deadline set by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to ensure his appearance, the situation remained volatile around the ashram, which has been surrounded by police and paramilitary forces and all roads leading to the premises sealed, officials said.

Several disciples of the controversial godman are still holed-up in the Ashram to prevent his arrest in a contempt of court case.

A police official said additional police force has been deployed in this town yesterday to bring out Rampal, who is being protected by a strong human shield formed by his followers including women, some of whom are believed to be carrying lethal weapons.

Official sources said that authorities were trying to persuade Rampal to surrender on his own as this may help avert any incident of violence once he gives up at his own will.

However, plans to storm the Ashram and use of force to comply with the court orders, have been kept ready, the sources said.

Five Superintendents of Police Hisar, Bhiwani, Sirsa, Jind and Fatehabad are among the senior police officials present here to ensure that the court orders are executed.

View post:
Tense situation prevails around controversial godman's ashram