Women devotees object to Nithyananda’s presence

Puttaparthi, April 26, DHNS:

Controversy-ridden Nithyananda, whose visit to Puttaparthi was resented by many devotees of Sai Baba, negotiated for long before being allowed entry on Tuesday to the place of 'dharshanam' in Prashanthi Nilayam here.

Nithyananda, who walked into Prashanthi Nilayam with VHP chief Ashok Singhal through the VIP gate along with two of his devotees, was stopped by the Sathya Sai Seva Dal volunteers. He tried convincing the volunteers but in vain. He was sent further behind even as Singhal walked towards the area where Sai Baba’s body lay.  Police sources said several women who saw him arrive at the Kulwant Hall venue, objected to his presence. This resulted in some commotion and the superintendent of police was alerted. Nithyananda was finally directed away from the place where Baba’s body lay, but an  elderly Seva Dal devotee intervened and allowed him to enter for dharshan. His decision to pay homage to Sai Baba was an attempt to make himself seen, especially after his bail conditions were relaxed. The other two Nithyananda followers were Shiva Vallabhaneni, alias Sachitananda, and T Dhanasekaran, alias Sadhananda. Source: Deccan Herald