Rampal’s forces: 300 trained by former army, police officers

At least two policemen suffered gunshot injuries while nine received burn injuries caused by petrol bombs thrown by Rampal’s followers.

A senior Haryana police officer told The Indian Express that these followers were even dressed up like the elite Black Cat commandos.

“Considering their combat skills, they have been designated as Rampal’s commandos. They also dress up like commandos and wear black clothes and even black bandanas to resemble Black Cat commandos,” he said.

Haryana’s Director General of Police, S N Vashisht agreed, “There are people who are trained by retired personnel of various security agencies. These people include retired police and Army officers who are carrying licensed weapons. There are other people as well, who possess illegal arms and ammunition.”

What the Haryana police have not been able to explain is how Rampal managed to raise and train this well-armed force in the ashram without their knowledge.

“There has not been any intelligence failure on our part. Those found guilty will not be spared,” Vashisht said.

He added that of the 280 people detained following the clashes, 22 appear to be part of this “commando force” who have played a vital role in protecting Rampal. “There are 22 such people who have been identified as major suspects in instigating the violence and forcibly holding people inside the ashram. All such people are being questioned and likely to be arrested soon,” Vashisht said.

Asked about the combat tactics used by Rampal’s followers, including throwing acid pouches and petrol bombs, Vashisht said, “LPG cylinders are used for cooking and the same can be used for blasts; acid is used for cleaning floors, and these people have used it to attack police; petrol is used to fuel vehicles, they have prepared bombs out of it. All these things are commonly used, but these people converted them into weapons.”