Cash, arms, bullet-proof jackets found, lockers opened at Rampal's ashram
Barwala (Haryana): Cash, weapons, bullet-proof jackets and commando dresses were today found even as lockers were opened at arrested ‘godman' Rampal's Satlok Ashram, where he was taken by the police for the first time since
Barwala (Haryana): Cash, weapons, bullet-proof jackets and commando dresses were today found even as lockers were opened at arrested ‘godman' Rampal's Satlok Ashram, where he was taken by the police for the first time since his arrest on November 19.
The police said they collected evidence and took information from Rampal about the lockers and almirahs at the premises.
The lockers were opened in the presence of a magistrate, they said.
63-year-old Rampal, during his hour-long stay at the 12-acre complex, was questioned by the Special Investigation Team of Haryana Police on the recoveries, including arms and
ammunition, that have been made, the police said.
During the search at the ashram, four .315 bore rifles, five .12 bore guns and some cartridges were found, Hisar Range Inspector General of Police, A K Rao said.
Rao, who along with other senior police officials held a meeting with Director General of Police S N Vashisht in connection with the ongoing search operations and investigation pertaining to the activities of Rampal, said that three bullet-proof jackets and some “commando dresses” had also been found.
Asked if Rampal and his private commandos could have been preparing for taking the police force head-on during the tense standoff, Rao said, “It could be that or it could also be the fact that they were apprehensive of some threat (police action against them).”
He said since the bullet-proof jackets cannot be procured for civilian use, the police will check from where they managed to procure these. “Besides, we found some commando dresses,” he said.
About the recovery of money, Rao said that some cash had been found, but the exact amount would be calculated only after the search was over.
Rampal was arrested on November 19 from his ashram, where a thorough search has been going on for the last four days.
He was produced before the Punjab and Haryana High Court a day after his arrest in a contempt of court case and later remanded in police custody for five days by a court in Hisar after fresh cases were slapped on him.