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Police raid ashram

Special Correspondent

Ashram head Swami Rampal and several followers arrested

CHANDIGARH: Karontha village in Rohtak district was limping back to normal on Thursday after the Central Reserve Police Force got the Satlok Ashram vacated in the wee hours of the morning and the Rohtak police arrested the Ashram head, Swami Rampal, and several of his followers on various charges including murder.

The Rohtak Deputy Commissioner, R.S.Doon, said the situation was now under control. Cases have been registered under Sections 147,148, 302, 307,120-B of the Indian Penal Code and Section 25, 59 and 64 of the Arms Act against 60 people in general, including Swami Rampal and 16 of his followers by name.

One person was killed and 52 injured when inmates of the ashram allegedly opened fire on the irate villagers. Clashes also took place between the ashram inmates and the villagers who were objecting to certain "activities'' going on in the ashram. Mr.Doon, who personally supervised the operations along with the SP, C.S.Rao, confirmed that 31 injured were discharged from PGI Rohtak after first aid.

Mr. Doon disclosed that live cartridges and arms, including five such arms which could not be termed as ordinary, were recovered from the possession of associates of Swami Rampal during a search operation conducted on Wednesday night. The ashram, which had nearly 4,000 inmates including women and children who had been reportedly stranded, was got vacated by the CRPF in a special operation conducted at 2 a.m. in the morning

Mr. Doon said that the CRPF personnel managed to enter into negotiations with the ashram managing body after much persuasion.

The district administration had already arranged buses outside the ashram to enable the followers to reach their respective destinations. This operation was conducted smoothly and lasted up to 6 a.m.

Mr. Doon said the villagers restrained themselves despite hurling of stones and firing of bullets from inside the ashram and gave their full cooperation in controlling the situation.

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