NDTV.com: Asaram ashram's oil intoxicates Pune kid

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Updated: November 21, 2009 22:34 IST

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Asaram ashram's oil intoxicates Pune kid

Imtiaz Jaleel

Saturday, August 02, 2008, (Pune)

Till two years ago Atharva Joshi was like any other normal child. He went to school, played cricket and football with his friends.

But now, the eight-year-old can't walk properly. He can't even speak. This is the result of brain damage from neem oil allegedly bought at a clinic run by spiritual guru Asaram Bapu.

The oil was meant to cure Atharva of stomach worms.

The family claims it had the 'neem' oil tested by experts and that the oil is toxic.

"He was given that oil immediately but within an hour he became unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital but nothing happened. Doctors said it was severe reaction of the medicine," says Vaishali Joshi, Atharva's mother.

His condition has impacted the entire family.

Vaishali quit her job with the Life Insurance Corporation of India to look after her son.

Atharva's father runs a small business earning Rs 3,000 a month. But this is not enough to cover the cost of Atharva's medication which costs Rs 4,000 a month.

The family says it did try to approach Asaram Bapu on a couple of occasions to seek an explanation but were turned away.

"We went to meet him when he came to Alandi. But his men beat us up and treated us very badly," says Vaishali.

When contacted, the Asaram Bapu clinic refused to comment on the case.
The Joshis have registered an FIR against the clinic and are awaiting action.

But for Atharva though a release from his condition seems nothing short of miracle.

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