Asaram Bapu's splurges banned by government

Mumbai, March 20: Self- styled

's splurges have been banned by the

government. The order was issued after

were assaulted after they pointed out the amount of water being wasted at the pre- holi function at a time when Maharashtra is grappling with severe drought.

However, his trust has denied the allegations by media persons."Palaash flowers, tulsi, neem, Ganga jal and other ingredients were mixed with water. This has medicinal value. Followers take it as Prasad," Neelam Dubey, Asaram Bapu's spokesperson said.

"This formula is from our scriptures and I have myself seen the benefits as Bapuji's followers confirm that this solution prevents skin diseases, cools down body temperature and casts away depression," she added.

According to the police, Bapu's followers 'pelted stones at television news channel reporters and assaulted them, damaging their video cameras'. Overruling all warnings and water crisis of the state due to the worst drought since 1972, Bapu used a minimum of 50,000 litres of drinking water for Holi revelries in Nagpur's Kasturchand Park. Continuing the saga, he held similar kind of celebration in Navi Mumbai.

According to sources, Bapu's followers had managed tankers after tankers of water from private sources. Later citing media criticism, they allegedly had attacked journalists who were present at the venue to cover the festivities.

OneIndia News