Barwala (Haryana): A large number of followers of 'godman' Rampal, who had been holed up in his ashram here for days, came out today and narrated how they were virtually confined there along with "thousands" more who too were "desperately" wanting to leave the premises.

Hailing from various parts of the country, the followers claimed that "private commandos" of Rampal had been "forcing" them not to leave, but they managed to persuade and come out. Haryana Director General of Police S N Vashisht told reporters that about 15,000 people were inside the ashram, out of which 10,000 have come out.