Rampal's Ashram claims 4 women dead, police denies says no one killed

Chandigarh, Nov 18: Authorities at the ashram of controversial sect leader Rampal on Tuesday claimed that at least four women followers died in the police action on the ashram complex.

Ashram spokesman Raj Kapoor claimed that the women were killed in the police operation.

Haryana Director General of Police S.N. Vashisht said there had been no deaths in the police action meant to arrest Rampal.

"No deaths have taken place in the (police) operation. A total of 109 policemen were injured. Nine policemen got gunshot injuries when they were fired upon. A SHO got bullet injury in his neck," he told the media.

He said one woman in burnt condition had been admitted to hospital.

"People inside are being held hostage. Most are innocent and we do not want to cause any harm to them. The police has shown a lot of restraint," Vashisht said.

Sect followers set on fire a JCB excavator which had been brought to the site by security forces to break a wall of the ashram complex.

IANS