Followers move out of Rampal's ashram in MP

BETUL (MP): With arrest of controversial godman Rampal in Haryana two days back, his under-construction ashram here wore a deserted look as some of the followers left the place.

The ashram spread over 70 acres, located on state highway- 69, nearly 10 kms away from here, witnessed regular activities till recently with disciples attending his sermons through audio-video screens, a police official said.

But soon after the standoff between police and Rampal's supporters intensified, the ashram came under scanner and subsequent searches were conducted on Wednesday in the nearby areas of the ashram, following which disciples started stepping out, he added.

After the self-styled godman's arrest amid high violence between police personnel and his supporters, some followers and their families living in the ashram left the place, he said.

Right now, police is gathering information on activities of his (Rampal) ashrams across the country and this centre is no exception, police said.

Some houses and a broad approach road, two water treatment plants installed on water bodies have already come up in the ashram. Besides, a huge shed with a capacity to accommodate 50,000 people is almost ready, the official said.

The construction work at the ashram is going on for last three to four years.