Godman stages suicide bid before media, escapes with injuries

Aluva, May 17 (PTI) Controversial Kerala godman Himaval Maheswara Bhadrananda created a flutter by attempting suicide with his licensed pistol at a police station here today but escaped with minor injuries after police snatched the weapon from him in time. Television footage showed two shots being fired from Bhadrananda's pistol as police tried to snatch the pistol in front of a large media contingent gathered at the Aluva police station.
The media gathered at the police station after Swami, accused of threatening journalists of a local newspaper, called up a TV journalist and told her that he was going to shoot himself at his residence following which police were informed. The police then brought him to the police station.
Despite repeated pleas by police to hand over the pistol, Bhadrananda refused to do so and was seen pointing the gun to his head and stomach as he continued to talk to the police and some one on his mobile phone. Bhadrananda suffered a minor injury on his left arm while it was a miraculous escape for police and media personnel standing close by.
He was arrested and three cases have been registered against the godman for attempt to murder, attempt to commit suicide and misusing licensed weapon for illegal purposes, police said, adding that he was being questioned by top officials. Meanwhile, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said spiritual fraudsters would be dealt with sternly.
"No doubt, these kind of people would be dealt with sternly and the rackets operated by them suppressed mercilessly. They have become a grave threat to social peace and security, he said, adding what had happened in the police station was a slur on image of the police and it would be investigated.