Indian followers leave the ashram of self-styled “godman” Rampal Maharaj in Hisar, some 175 kilometers north of New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: CFP

 
Police discovered five bodies Wednesday after storming the ashram of a wanted guru in northern India where thousands of followers have been holed up for days, as a sixth supporter died in hospital.

Authorities made the discovery after they used tear gas and batons to force their way into the heavily-guarded ashram of self-styled "godman" Rampal Maharaj, who is wanted on a series of charges including conspiracy to murder.

They found the bodies of four women and an 18-month-old child at the sprawling compound 175 kilometers northeast of New Delhi where they believe Rampal is hiding out, said Haryana state's director general of police SN Vashisht.

The child appeared to have died of natural causes but it was unclear how or when the four women lost their lives, he said, adding that another woman died after being taken to hospital apparently suffering from a heart condition.

Thousands of people have poured out of the ashram since Tuesday when police stormed in.

But authorities say 5,000 followers are still holding out inside the 4.8-hectare (12-acre) compound.

Authorities are sending 500 paramilitaries to the town of Barwala, where the ashram is located, to try to quell the unrest, a home ministry source told AFP on condition of anonymity.