India-Forums.TV

[aryan]

HYDERABAD: The condition of godman Satya Sai Baba, battling for life for the last 24 days in a Puttaparthi hospital, deteriorated further on Wednesday with doctors saying some organs had stopped responding to treatment.

"On Wednesday, the liver stopped responding to medication. We have sent Dr P N Rao of Asian Gastro Institute to Puttaparthi along with a special equipment to help in liver functions," Andhra principal secretary, health, P V Ramesh, told TOI.

"His blood pressure continues to be low and he is still on ventilation," said Dr A N Safaya, director of the Sri Satya Sai Super Specialty Hospital where the 85-year-old godman is being treated since March 28.

Dr Ravi Raj, director of medical education, who has been camping in Puttaparthi since April 1, and has been briefing the media regularly on Sai Baba`s condition, refused to speak to waiting reporters after attending on the Baba on Wednesday.

Fearing a rush of devotees in the event of his death, Andhra Pradesh authorities rushed additional forces to Puttaparthi and set up more checkposts. "In order to prevent any breakdown of law and order, we have increased the number of check posts all around the town from 4 to 10," said Anantapur SP Shanawaz Qasim.

Neighbouring towns of Dharamavaram, Hindupur and Anantapur were also put on alert. A contingent of 600 cops was dispatched on Wednesday and more forces were expected to be sent Thursday morning.

The government also fears an ugly succession battle to control the vast empire of hospitals, schools and temples. Two important members of the Central Sai Trust — former chief justice of India P N Bhagwati and well-known chartered accountant Indulal Shah from Mumbai were rushing to Puttaparthi on Thursday to study documents and accounts books of the Trust, sources close to the trust said.