Godman Nithyananda ignites controversy in Kumbh Mela

, Feb 13: Self-styled godman

landed in a fresh controversy while his visit at Maha

in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Nithyananda, who earlier was sacked as the successor of the mutt head of Madurai Aadheenam, a 1500-year-old Saivite mutt, has been made the head of akhara (camp) of sadhus.

Nithyananda's promotion as the head of the akhara enraged many who began protesting against the godman demanding his removal from the post. The protesters claimed that Nithyananda can not be awarded the post as he is an accused of many legal cases including one where he along with a popular South Indian actress allegedly was involved in a sex scandal.

Earlier pilgrims had opposed Nithyananda's visit to Allahabad where the Maha Kumbh has been held. A section of pilgrims had met district administration and sought to put restrictions on Nithyananda.

They were enraged by the fact that a person like Nithyananda could be coming to the holy place considering charges against him. The pilgrims had also expressed their anger about the activities in the Nithyananda pandal.

The self-styled godman hogged limelight worldwide for the first time when a video allegedly featuring him along with a South Indian actress in a compromising position went viral on the internet and TV. Soon several rape charges and forgery cases were slapped against him.

OneIndia News