Rampal being escorted by policemen. Rampal being escorted by policemen.

As police moved in to arrest Sant Rampal on Wednesday night, many of his injured supporters, admitted to the Maharaja Agrasen Medical College (MAMC) in Agroha some 20 kms away from the ashram, provided graphic and bizarre accounts of the Barwala cult.

Followers said Rampal was bathed in milk which was later used to make kheer for prasad. This ritual, they claimed, was key to the “miracles” he performed.

Followers of Sant Rampal leaving the Satlok Ashram with the help of police in Hisar on Tuesday night. (Source: PTI) Followers of Sant Rampal leaving the Satlok Ashram with the help of police in Hisar on Tuesday night. (Source: PTI)

“The kheer is made from milk which is poured on him… the kheer is given to us as prasad,” said Manoj, 45, a follower who had come for a satsang at the ashram.

Other followers differed. They said the kheer wasn’t made from milk that was poured on Rampal, but from milk that dripped on him from a pipe in the ceiling.

“The milk falls on him, while he sits and meditates. The fruit of his meditation is present in the kheer,” said Krishan, 29, who is admitted in the hospital with a head injury.

Almost 200 people were injured in the clashes between the police and his supporters. Of these, 99 are at MAMC, the nearest hospital from the Satlok Ashram in Barwala.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Rakesh Sharma said many were already suffering from some ailment while at the ashram. “Some have injuries, but many have more serious problems like cardiac or kidney ailments. They fell ill during their time at the ashram, but it seems they were not allowed to leave,” he said.

After the High Court ordered the Haryana DGP and district administration to ensure his arrest, Rampal planned a three-day satsang last week. Manoj, 45, who had come for the satsang, said he was told about the three-day event, but not about the possible police action.

“When I came, I realised that something was wrong. I had heard about the Baba and that he could perform miracles. So I had come for his aashirwad. But there were armed men everywhere and we were not allowed to leave,” he said.

Men armed with helmets, sticks and other weapons had stood guard at the gates of the ashram. Rampal’s followers soon realised that the commando protection force was not merely to ensure that nobody could enter the ashram — but also so that nobody could leave.

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest India News, download Indian Express App.