Prohibitory orders in Puttaparthi after Baba’s health worsens

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttaparthi, April 21:  Prohibitory orders were clamped here today as thousands of devotees started descending on the town following reports that the condition of Sathya Sai Baba has deteriorated.

More than 2000 police officers and men have been deployed here, particularly at the Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences (SSIHMS) where the Baba is undergoing treatment.

In Hyderabad, Director General of Police Aravinda Roa met Chief Minister Kiran Reddy and briefed him about the security measures put in place.

State Major Industries Minister J Geeta Reddy, Anantapur district Collector B Janardhana Reddy and Deputy Inspector General of Police Charu Sinha, who are camping here, reviewed the Baba’s health condition this morning with SSIHMS director A N Safaya.

They also reviewed the law and order situation and the measures being implemented for crowd control in any eventuality.

Shops in the vicinity of SSIHMS have been shut down as a precautionary measure, a senior police officer said.

Anantapur district Superintendent of Police Shahnawaz Qasim is personally monitoring the security arrangements.

Meanwhile, members of the Sathya Sai Central Trust were closeted in a meeting here to discuss the Trust’s affairs in the wake of the Baba’s deteriorating health.

Principal Secretary (Finance) L V Subrahmanyam is also taking part in the meeting, sources said.

Meanwhile, Safaya said in a latest statement that the Baba’s condition remained critical.

"Low blood pressure and the non-functioning of liver have become a major cause for concern.The Baba continues to be on ventilator support," he said.