Indian guru Sathya Sai Baba passes away

Indian guru Sathya Sai Baba, who was undergoing treatment for multi-organ dysfunction, passed away in Puttaparthi on Sunday. Sai Baba, who was 86, breathed his last at 7.40 am, following cardio-respiratory failure, at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences, its Director A N Safaya said. His body will be taken to Prashanti Nilayam Ashram and will be kept in Sai Kulwant Hall for the next two days. Darshan will begin at 6 pm on Sunday. "We appeal to all not to rush to the hospital, but to remain calm and have Darshan in an orderly manner," it said. The news of his death plunged thousands of followers who have thronged the town into grief. Airport was sealed, around 12,000 policemen, Rapid Action Force and Special Task Force, including Bomb detection squad have been deployed.