Nithyananda laments loss of face, disciples

Self-styled godman Paramahamsa Nithyananda was discharged from a city hospital on Tuesday, a day after he was admitted. He was later taken to the headquarters of the criminal investigation department (CID).

Nithyananda was hospitalised after he complained of chest pain, while he was being taken back to Bangalore from a court in Ramanagara. Doctors put the swami through a treadmill test before discharging him.

According to CID sleuths, the tainted spiritual leader of Nithyananda Dhyanapeetham at Bidadi sounded worried over the assets he had made.

The godman reportedly lamented the loss of disciples and the bad publicity he has been receiving ever since a video, purportedly of the swami in a compromising position with an actress, was aired.

“Now that I am in police custody, most of my disciples have left me. The bad publicity and baseless media reports have ruined my reputation. My friends, who were close to me, have been trying to denounce me and are now pushing me over the brink,” he reportedly told his interrogators.

Meanwhile, Nithyananda reportedly expressed fear that some other spiritual leaders might usurp his properties in Bidadi and elsewhere. He reportedly told CID officers that several of his disciples, who had supported him in hiding, deserted once he was arrested.

The CID officers expressed doubt that if the godman was as big as being projected in the media. “He is a small fry compared to others. There are bigger sharks doing the same, but have been so far undetected,” an officer said.

The swami was still in denial mode, even after the CDs, including the much publicised one, were played to him.

Meanwhile, the Nithyananda episode has had an effect on the CID officers. “In fact, we should have complained of chest pain instead of the swami. We are totally stressed out,” another officer said.