Godman Rampal's followers thwart police efforts to arrest him; curfew in parts of Punjab, Haryana

Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali to maintain law and order and restrict the movement of the followers of controversial self-styled godman Rampal who have been thwarting police efforts to arrest him. A large number of policemen have been deployed at key points including roads leading to Chandigarh from Panchkula (Haryana) and Mohali (Punjab), police said. Barricades have been put up at entry points and videography was being done and vehicles checked.

Security measures have been strengthened around the Punjab and Haryana High Court premises here while additional forces have been deployed around the railway station and the inter-state bus terminuses, they said.

Police is keeping a close eye to ensure that Rampal's followers do not march towards Chandigarh in view of the Court hearing tomorrow as it may create a law and order problem. Like Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali too have been put on high alert, with authorities imposing Section 144 banning assembly of five or more persons.

In Panchkula, additional forces had been deployed to maintain law and order situation while special 'nakas' had been set up along the bordering areas of Chandigarh and Mohali to prevent the entry of followers of Rampal into this city.

Punjab and Haryana High Court had recently issued a non-bailable warrant against Rampal in a contempt of court case and directed Haryana's DGP and Home Secretary to ensure his presence before the court here tomorrow.