Disciples of self-proclaimed Godman Nirmal Baba on Wednesday resorted to violence against a few media persons at the Talkatora stadium in New Delhi.
The devotees were gathered in large numbers at the stadium for a 3-day congregation (samagam).
Finding a large presence of media persons, Baba's supporters chanted slogans against them leading to a brawl outside the stadium.
According to our reports, a TV journalist was manhandled and dragged inside the stadium by furious supporters.
"They snatched away my mobile and tried to attack us. They dragged us inside the stadium and threatened us to personally dictate terms with Nirmal Baba. One person named Ratnakar Agarwal tried to influence the supporters against the media. We told them that we won"™t enter the stadium until the police accompanies us. We have filed a police complaint against them. We were here for a normal coverage and were called agents. We won"™t bow down to such attacks and we will continue showing the truth," said Narendra Bhati, reporter from Channel One.
Police had to intervene to pacify the chaotic situation at the spot.
Irate disciples of Baba alleged that news channels were showing their leader in a bad light and trying to malign his image with the influence of other spiritual gurus and astrologers.
Many of his supporters said that their devotion towards Nirmal Baba has not reduced a single bit despite media reports tarnishing his character.
Nirmal Baba who was addressing the samagam inside the stadium hall clarified through his supporters that none of them were paid to ask a question. He also said that the congregation was not fixed and reports from news channels were completely baseless.
"We have attended Baba"™s samagam 10 times and we do not have pay Rs 50,000 to meet him," said one of Baba"™s supporters.
"My daughter"™s illness was cured only because of Baba"™s blessings," claims Renu.
"Eat well, have good thoughts, that is what Baba preaches," said another devout supporter.
Meanwhile, in Lucknow people protested against Nirmal Baba and demanded the police to seal all his assets and properties built in different parts of the country