Verdict in murder cases against Rampal today, police on toes
4,000 COPS DEPLOYED Hisar admn has also called RAF and paramilitary forces, fearing thousands of followers of selfstyled godman might throng the city; Section 144 imposed
HISAR: A day ahead of the court verdict in a two murder cases against self-styled godman Rampal and his 27 followers, the Hisar administration deployed more than 4,000 police personnel, besides the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and paramilitary forces, to maintain law and order situation in the district and surrounding areas.
The court of additional district and sessions judge (ADJ) DR Chalia will pronounce the verdict in 2014 cases on Thursday.
Notably, the final arguments in the cases against Rampal, head of Satlok Ashram, and his followers were completed on Monday.
Rampal and 27 of his followers were booked under charges of murder and wrongful confinement after four women and a child were found dead in Satlok Ashram in Barwala town of Hisar on November 19, 2014.
The incident followed a police action to arrest him after a clash of his followers with local residents.
Another case was registered against Rampal and his followers after a woman was found dead in his ashram on November 18. These cases were under registered under Sections 302, 343 and 120-B of the IPC.
A total of 80 witnesses, including doctors who conducted postmortem on the deceased, deposed during the trial, saidrampal’s counsel MS Nain.
The administration fears that thousands of followers of selfstyled godman might throng the city as they have done on similar occasions in the past.
Deputy commissioner (DC) Ashok Kumar Meena said the police and paramilitary forces took out a flag march in Hisar city, adjoining villages, and near the central jail where Rampal is lodged.
The DC had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CRPC in the district on Monday.
The administration has formed teams under the leadership of 27 sub-divisional magistrates (SDMS) and 40 deputy superintendent of police (DSPS) to ensure law and order.
Besides, DC Meena, inspector general of police (Hisar range) Sanjay Kumar, and Hisar superintendent of police (SP) Shiv Charan will closely monitor the situation.
‘POLICE MAY USE FORCE, IF NEEDED’
Talking to HT, DC Meena said, “No one will be allowed to breach law and order at any condition. Police will deal in a strict way if anyone is found disturbing peace in the district.”
He added that if required, the police will also use force to maintain law and order.
The internet services, he said, could also be barred, if the need be, though no such orders have been given so far.
In a recent letter to the DC, the Hisar SP anticipated that between 10,000 to 20,000 followers can reach Hisar ahead of the verdict.
Police officials said though no followers entered the city on Wednesday, they might arrive on Thursday using different means of transport, including trains and buses.
IG HOLDS MEETING
Meanwhile, IG Sanjay Kumar held a meeting of seven IPS officers who have already reached Hisar under the leadership of DIG B Satheesh Balan and assigned them duties.
Police spokesperson Harish Bhardwaj said the IG directed the police officials to keep a strict vigil at every nook and corner of the district.