Claims, counterclaims over Sri Sri shooting

Home Minister P Chidambaram today said the firing incident at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's ashram on Sunday could be related to a dispute between two of his followers and it may not be correct to say that it was aimed at the spiritual leader.

A day after Sri Sri Ravishankar was allegedly shot at, the spiritual guru hinted that people disgruntled by his attempts to inspire militants and other groups to choose the path of non-violence might be behind the attack.

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People from "Kashmir to various parts of the country" had quit the path of violence following his preaching, the guru said on Monday.

He seemed to contradict the police's and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's claim that the guru "may not have been" the target of the gunman.

"I have no enemies that I know of," the spiritual guru said. "I will continue to spread the word of non-violence, peace. I have no fear."

An unidentified man had on Sunday fired a shot in the premises of the Art of Living ashram in Kanakpura, 21 km from Bangalore, after a mediation session held by Ravishankar.

"Our reports says that the incident took place after Sri Sri Ravishankar left the place in his car and, therefore, it may not be correct... to say that the firing was aimed at him," Chidambaram said.

Ravishankar, who said he was saddened that the issue was being attributed to an internal feud before a probe, forgave the gunman.

"I completely forgive the shooter and welcome him to come here with full amnesty, participate in the satsang, and experience what we are teaching."

BJP President Nitin Gadkari asked Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa to beef up the guru's security.