Penugonda-based controversial guru Baba Kaleswar has passed away at a private corporate hospital in Bangalore this morning.

Reports from Bangalore and Ananthapuram said the 38-year old self-styled spiritual Baba, who has been suffering from serious ailments of kidneys and liver for the past few days, was admitted to the Columbia Hospital three days ago.

Despite serious efforts by a team of specialist doctors to save his life, the Baba breathed his last in the wee hours. However, his ashram authorities at Penugonda in Ananthapuram district have not so far officially declared his death.

The Baba aka Kaleswar Samardha Maharaj, whose original name is Kaleswar Babu, had transformed himself into a spiritual guru overnight some years ago. There are several allegations that he conducted illegal trenching and digging in the Penugonda fort once ruled by the Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya and chanced upon a big gold treasure.

Kaleswar, qualified up to Intermediate, built a big five-star Asram in a sprawling 20-acre land at Penugonda and several politicians used to visit him for his blessings. His opponents charged him with land grabbing and having a role in illegal mining too. (J)