It was not a targeted attack on Sri Sri: Police

A day after a firing incident near the ashram of Sri Sri Ravishankar, the police claimed that it was not a 'targeted attack' on the spiritual leader.

The security of 54-year-old Ravishankar, the founder of Art of Living, has been beefed up.

"I do not call it an attack. It is an incident. Whether it was meant at a person or not, we cannot say at the moment," said Karnataka Director General of Police Ajaikumar Singh, who visited the ashram.

Ravishankar had escaped unhurt on Sunday when an unidentified gunman fired at his convoy near his ashram. Giving details about the firing, Singh said the bullet was fired from about 700 to 750 feet away and so far, nobody has claimed to have seen the attacker.

The incident of firing occurred between 6.05 pm and 6. 10 pm, at least five minutes after Ravishankar's convoy had left the spot, Singh said. Speaking to reporters at his ashram on Monday morning, Ravishankar said that he had forgiven the attacker.

"I heard a loud noise. But I was my usual calm self. My driver had a premonition that there could be some kind of attack on me," Ravishankar said.

"I do not have enemies. However, whoever has done this, I forgive him. I give him amnesty. I invite him to join our satsang (spiritual discourse). I will teach him meditation and Sudarshan Kriya (a breathing technique popularised by him)," said the spiritual leader.

Singh said, "The ashram people informed the Harohalli police inspector at approximately 9.10-9.15 pm and the message reached the Ramanagara superintendent of police between 9.45 to 10 pm".

The police have provided 'Y' category security to Ravishankar, with four police personnel guarding him round-the-clock.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party president Nitin Gadkari has written a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, expressing concern over the issue and urged him to beef up Ravishankar's security.

Replying to questions, the Karnataka DGP said that a case has been registered under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and the Arms Act.

On Ravishankar's statement that some of his disciples had heard the firing, Singh said, "No, I will not comment on anybody else's statement. We will report to you about what evidence we have."

He also replied in the negative when asked if Sri Sri Ravishankar had received any threats from any group. Singh said the police will carry out a joint security audit at the ashram to ascertain if more security was needed there.