Now that what I call hollistics...Actually, his healing powers were in his balls...

Last Updated: Thursday, 13 December 2007, 17:31 GMT E-mail this to a friend Printable version

Thieves cut off man's 'holy leg'

By Omer Farooq BBC News, Hyderabad Holy men are renowned for their healing powers Police in southern India are hunting for two men who attacked a Hindu holy man, cut off his right leg and then made off with it. The 80-year-old holy man, Yanadi Kondaiah, claimed to have healing powers in the leg. He is now recovering from his ordeal in hospital in the city of Tirupati in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Local people believed they could be healed of spiritual and physical problems if they touched his leg. They also believed in Mr Kondaiah's predictions of the future. Police say the incident happened 550 km north of the state capital, Hyderabad. 'Brutal manner' Police say that the self-styled 'Godman' - who lives in a village near the city of Tirupati - was approached a few days ago by two strangers who came to seek his advice over a medical problem. Holy men are revered throughout much of India They say that the pair returned to the old man on Tuesday ostensibly to thank him for his help. "As the old man had the weakness of drinking, he accepted their invitation to have drinks with them," said local police Sub-Inspector Pendakanti Dastgiri. "They took him to a deserted spot in the outskirts of the village. "After the old man had passed out under the influence of liquor, they cut off his right leg from the knee," he said.