Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana Court on Friday said that the operation for the arrest of Satguru Rampal cost about Rs. 30 crore.
Rampal, 63, was charged with sedition earlier this month after a days-long siege of his sprawling compound in Haryana ended in his arrest along with hundreds of hardcore followers.
More than 10,000 followers had been evacuated by police from the fortified compound of the cult headed by ‘Rampal’ before entering the fortified ashram where he had remained hidden for several days.
He was wanted for ignoring more than 40 court orders to appear to answer charges of murder.
Former engineer Rampal meanwhile claimed, “I am innocent” on November 20.
Police used tear gas, water cannon and bulldozers to storm his 12-acre base, breaching resistance from a human chain of supporters outside, and men throwing stones and bottles filled with acid from its roof.
Officials had also found five dead bodies of women and one infant in the ashram.
The arrest of Rampal had been ordered initially over a 2006 murder case, in which he is accused of telling supporters to open fire on villagers, killing one and injuring six.
Bureau Report
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