It all began with Communist Party of India-Marxist Parliamentarian Brinda Karat's claim that the yoga guru's medicines contained animal extracts.

Health Minister Ambumani Ramdoss confirmed that the samples of Ayurvedic formulations provided to the government by Karat did carry traces of human and animal remains. The minister said that the examination reports had been sent to the Uttaranchal government for proper investigation and further action.

In a swift rejoinder to Karat, Ramdev said he was ready for a probe into the matter and accused Karat of acting at the behest of multi-national drug companies.

Meanwhile, angry supporters of Swami Ramdev took to the streets. The protestors, raised slogans and burnt Karat's effigy. Protests turned violent after Arya Samaj members clashed with CPI(M) activists at the Left party's office in New Delhi, prompting the police to resort to mild lathicharge.

Political parties, however, are treading cautiously. Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad came out in support of embattled yoga guru Ramdev saying that multinationals were after those who propagated the indigenous cause. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav said Karat's allegations against the spiritual leader were based on charges levelled by the media earlier against him.

In Picture: Agitated supporters of yoga guru Swami Ramdev burning the effigy of CPM leader Brinda Karat.
Photograph : Dijeshwar Singh/ Saab Pictures

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