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The Haryana Police’s ongoing search operation inside the Satlok Ashram of self-styled godman Rampal has led to the recovery of two bulletproof jackets, more weapons and over 4,200 sticks among other things, officials said yesterday. |
A police department spokesman said that two bullet proof jackets, four .315 bore rifles, five .12 bore rifles and other ammunition were found yesterday at the ashram during the search operation.
The recovery was made on a day when police’s special investigation team (SIT) brought Rampal back to his ashram in custody for investigations. Rampal was arrested by the police Wednesday after a high-voltage stand-off and clashes between his supporters and security forces.
The SIT had earlier claimed that it had found a “huge cache” of weapons and ammunition from the ashram complex. These included three .32 bore revolvers, 19 air guns, two double-barrel .12 bore guns, two .315 bore rifles, and ammunition for these weapons.
Haryana’s Director General of Police S N Vashisht and Inspector General of Police Anil Kumar Rao also visited the ashram complex yesterday.
Police recovered 4,250 sticks, 171 helmets, 235 pairs of black uniforms (meant for Rampal’s private commandos), 12 petrol bombs and other equipment used by his supporters to prevent the security forces from entering the 12-acre ashram complex, located near Barwala town in Haryana’s Hisar district, 210km from Chandigarh.
Police had earlier found a bullet-proof enclosure for giving sermons, a bullet-proof SUV, a personal swimming pool, several air-conditioners including 1ACs even in his bathrooms, flat-screen LED TVs, gym equipment, massage beds and other luxuries lined up for Rampal. The spokesman said that the search operation would continue at the ashram for the next few days.
Rampal has been slapped with cases of murder, attempt to murder, sedition, rioting, illegal detention and others. Six people - five women and an infant - lost their lives in the stand-off between Rampal followers and security forces last week.