Chidambaram differs from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on ashram attack

NEW DELHI: The smoke around the single bullet fired at a Sri Sri Ravi Shankar congregation in Bangalore hasn't cleared even a day later. The spiritual guru insists he had heard the gunshot that grazed a software professional in the gathering — and many within the Art of Living fraternity believe the attack could be the work of Naxals. However, Union home minister P Chidambaram said on Monday he believes the guru had left the place by then and was not the target.

"Our reports says the incident took place after Sri Sri Ravi Shankar left the place in his car and, therefore, it may not be correct, I underline, may not be correct, to say that the firing was aimed at him," Chidambaram said. He said a dispute between two disciples may have triggered the firing.

Chidambaram's reading is confirmed by Karnataka Police DG Ajai Kumar Singh, who stated authoritatively that the Art of Living master had left before the shot was fired. Vinay, the software company employee who was slightly injured by a .32 shot fired from about 700 feet away, says he can't confirm the guru was present.

The home minister — while addressing his monthly press briefing — said an oral report had been received on the incident but a written report is expected. "It seems to be a dispute or a brawl between two of his followers. One of them has been injured in his thigh but is not in danger," he said. The firing occurred between 6.05pm and 6.10pm and at least five minutes after Ravi Shankar's convoy had left the spot on Sunday.