Bangalore, May 30 (IANS) Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar escaped an apparent attempt on his life as an unidentified gunman opened fire at his convoy in his Kanakpura ashram here Sunday evening. A devotee was injured in the incident.
According to a press statement issued by the Art of Living International Centre, the unidentified gunman opened fire as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar left the venue after delivering a discourse at his ashram.
‘While leaving from public satsang (discourse) this evening in Bangalore, an unidentified gunman shot at Sri Sri’s convoy. It hit one the devotee’s thigh, causing a minor injury,’ the statement said.
Charu, an ashram devotee, told IANS that the firing incident happened around 6 p.m. ‘The bullet brushed past one of the devotees,’ she said.
She said the bullet was aimed at the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s vehicle but he was safe. ‘The police are investigating,’ she said.
Karnataka Home Minister V. S. Acharya told CNN-IBN news channel that a senior police official had gone to the ashram to conduct investigations. ‘I am waiting for details,’ he said. The minister, however, denied anyone has been injured.
‘He is one of our very important social leaders. He is a social reformer also,’ Acharya said, adding that the security at the ashram would be stepped up.
Known as ‘Guruji’ to his disciples, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has a vast international following.
