What is the controversy?

Rampal has been vocal in his criticism of the Arya Samaj since 2000. In 2006, the self-styled godman’s derogatory remarks for the Arya Samaj leader resulted in a clash between Arya Samaj is and his supporters at his ashram in Rohtak’s Karontha village, in which 20-year-old Sonu, who belonged to the Arya Samaj, was killed. Rampal was booked for murder and attempt to murder and was jailed. He later got bail in 2008. Since his release from the jail in 2008, Rampal has skipped court hearings over 40 times. He was accused of contempt of court along with murder and attempt to murder charges. Similar clashes erupted in May 2013 between the two sects, with 10 people killed and 100 injured. During his trial for the 2006 murder in Hisar court in July 2014, his followers went on a rampage and tried to disrupt court proceedings. In 2014, the Punjab and Haryana high court issued non-bailable warrants against Rampal. However, his supporters guarded him in Hisar, giving the police a tough time to proceed further. He was finally arrested on November 19, along with 492 of his followers. The bodies of five women and an 18-month old child was found from his ashram. Since his arrest, Rampal supporters have tried to disturb court proceedings whenever he is produced. Recently, during government’s Gita Jayanti celebrations, Rampal, despite being in jail, moved high court against the government spending crores for the celebrations of the event.