Rampal verdict likely today; police, administration on toes

Deepender Deswal

Tribune News Service

Hisar, October 10

The police have been on high alert in Hisar and adjoining towns in view of the impending decision in murder cases involving Satlok Ashram head Rampal and his supporters.

The additional sessions court is likely to pronounce the verdict on Thursday in connection with the murder of six persons — five women and a child — during clashes between the police and Rampal supporters at Satlok Ashram in Barwala in November 2014.

The Special Task Force (STF) led by DIG B Satheesh Balan has taken charge of law and order. Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Meena carried out a flag march in the town and reviewed security arrangements on Wednesday.

The administration has clamped prohibitory orders and called reinforcements to maintain law and order, while putting up 37 temporary “nakas” in and around the town.

Duty Magistrates have been appointed in Hisar, and adjoining Hansi and Barwala towns.

A police spokesperson said six IPS officers, including SPs from Palwal, Jind, Sirsa, Central Faridabad and Mahendragarh, had been deployed in the town. Besides, 2,000 personnel of the Rapid Action Force, Special Task Force and police from adjoining districts have been deployed.

Sources said about 1,000 Rampal’s supporters were expected to gather at the court on Thursday.

In the past one week, the police evicted Rampal’s supporters from other states, who gathered in the town. The police have also intensified security at abandoned Satlok Ashram.