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

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.

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Tense situation prevails around controversial godman's ashram

The Hindu The peepal tree being restored at its original place with the help of earthmoving equipment at Shanti Ashram in Visakhapatnam. - Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

One month ago, cyclone Hudhud wiped out the entire green cover in the city. The damage suffered by Sri Shanti Ashram at Lawsons Bay Colony too was extensive. Dozens of trees fell under the impact of high-speed winds.

However, the management has a reason to smile. A 50-year-old peepal tree has been restored and given a new lease of life.

Of all, this tree is considered a prized possession as it was planted by founder of the ashram Swami Omkar.

That is all the more reason for the staff to nurture it at any cost.

People say that they have developed an emotional attachment with the tree over the years.

We did not pin hopes on the ones that were rendered beyond repair. But, with sprouts shooting from the branches of the peepal tree four days after the calamity, we wanted to do our best to restore it. After digging almost six feet deep using an earthmover and a crane, and providing support with heaps of soil covering the huge trunk, the mission was finally accomplished, says M.N. Adinarayana, chairman of the ashram.

Years ago, after our morning workout, the place used to be the meeting spot to relax before heading to our homes. It is such a nice feeling to see the tree back here, says Kumar, one of the regular visitors to the ashram.

With ropes providing support to the branches, people at the ashram hope to see the tree in full bloom in another six months.

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Peepal tree gets a new lease of life