The ashram management claimed that she was not inside the complex. After the violence outside the ashram, the police slapped sedition charges on her under Sections 121 (waging or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against the Government of India, 121A (conspiring to commit certain offences against the state). During Tuesday’s crackdown, her disciples also attacked several journalists reporting the standoff. According to news reports, around twelve followers, including women and children, tried to self-immolate themselves on Monday to protest the government’s stand of not letting the Godwoman publically immolate herself, forcing her to go into hiding.

Unconfirmed sources were also reporting that the Godwoman had managed to flee from the ashram and disappear. Security forces dragged several people standing guard at the ashram gates to the local bus stop and railway station. Finally, towards the end of the day, the police managed to breach the wall of the ashram and remove around four thousand devotees from inside.

Upasana had not left the TV screen even for a minute. She was glued to her phone. Inquiring, asking for detailed reports, she was like a scavenger for any bit of information on Rajjo that they were not showing on news reports yet. She was trying to solve the puzzle in her head. She knew there was more to this.

Upasana switched the channel as another news reporter with a bright red lipstick and immaculate hairstyle looked into the camera and reported, ‘As the police tried to enter the ashram where Durga Maa is reportedly hiding, Durga’s followers fought pitched battles by lobbing petrol bombs. Her supporters challenged the police to come near the property by pouring diesel on their bodies and burnt an effigy of the chief minister and the prime minister to mark the protest. A lot of followers living abroad were adding to the pressure against the government, especially questioning the need for the arrest warrant against the Godwoman. The key aides of the Godwoman were also absconding and the extended family members handling the trust are claiming to not know her whereabouts. The Chhoti Maa, sister and director of the trust are absconding.’

Upasana switched the channel again, her heart singing. If this was true, her husband would be free from Rajjo’s shackles forever.

Another reporter flooded the TV screen. ‘Police have so far failed to gather information regarding the whereabouts of the controversial Godwoman in connection with the case.’