The Barwala town of Haryana was tense as it braced tonight for a possible showdown between police and supporters of self-styled godman Rampal ahead of a High Court deadline for his appearance tomorrow in a contempt case.
A large posse of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in this area of Hissar district with official sources saying a plan to storm the Satlok Ashram, the seat of the godman, has been kept ready even as efforts are being made to persuade him to surrender on his own to avert any violence.
A police official said additional forces have been deployed in Barwala town where Rampal is being protected by a strong human shield formed by his followers, some of whom are stated to be carrying lethal weapons.
Apprehending trouble, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC (which bars assembly of more than four people at one place) at various places, including Barwala, Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali.
Inspector General Anil Kumar Rao and Superintendent of Police Satendar Kumar Gupta said police would abide by the order of the High Court to arrest Rampal and produce him before the court.
They, however, declined to divulge the strategy to arrest the 63-year-old controversial engineer-turned godman.
Police and paramilitary forces surrounded the ashram and sealed all roads leading to the premises where disciples of the godman, including a sizeable number of women and children, were holed up to prevent his arrest.
Chief volunteer of the Ashram Purushottam Dass said the godman was ill and could not travel to Chandigarh, which is about 270 kms from here. He wanted video conferening of Rampal rather than his personal appearance before the High Court tomorrow.
