Sant Rampal verdict: ‘Godman’ convicted in two murder cases, quantum of punishment later

Sant Rampal verdict: The authorities have halted train services to the city from different parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana in order to control the situation.

Rampal is currently lodged inside the jail as at least other cases against him are still pending. AFP PHOTO/ FILE

NEW DELHI: The Hisar Court on Thursday pronounced the verdict on cases against self-styled godman Rampal, the head of Satlok Ashram in Barwala. The case is related to the two murder cases registered against him and 27 of his followers. All borders connecting Hisar have also been sealed and section 144 has been imposed in the region. Rampal is currently lodged inside the jail as at least other cases against him are still pending. The self-styled godman and the 27 others were booked on charges of murder and wrongful confinement after five women and a child was found dead in the Satlok Ashram on November 19, 2014. As many as 5 paramilitary troops have been deployed in Hisar to maintain law and order in the district and surrounding areas. In order to maintain law and order situation, the operation of trains from different parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh & Haryana to Hisar will be stopped on Thursday. SP Dheeraj Kumar informed ABP News that there are inputs that Sant Rampal supporters will try to mobilize people on railway tracks if the court ruling against them. UPDATES:

• Charges will be levied on October 16-17
• All accused including 'Godman' Rampal pronounced guilty by Hisar court in 2 crime cases.
• Rampal is locked up in cell number 2 while the hearing is being conducted at jail number 2.
• Hearing begins in Rampal case

Earlier, on November 18, 2014, Rampal was dodging the arrest in connection with a case involving his followers. After Rampal failed to appear in court 43 times, the police were ordered to arrest him. When the police marched to his Stalok Ashram, they were met with resistance as Rampal's supporters barricaded themselves inside the 12-acre premises. This resulted into a standoff between the followers and police where 7 people were killed.