Ayush issues notice to Asaram centre

BANGALORE: A centre owned by Sant Shri Asaramji Ashram Trust in the city, run by self-styled spiritual leader Asaram Bapu, is in fresh trouble. The Directorate of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (Ayush) slapped a show-cause notice on its convener.
In his March 10 notice to Ravi Shettygar, Ayush directorate’s assistant drug controller sought details of the drugs manufactured and sold at the centre.The notice was served under section 33H of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act of 1940, which empowers the directorate to inspect the premises and the drugs sold. The convener was given seven days to reply.
“"It was found that the drugs sold in the centre do not conform to rules as they don’t have specific generic names but only code ones affixed by the trust. Even manufacture and expiry dates were absent on the containers," said RTI activist Sai Datta. He has been trying to expose the trust’s activities in the city ever since the spiritual leader was arrested for alleged rape of his disciple.
The Ayush directorate has powers to inspect the premises and take samples of the drugs stored and sold there. It can seek details of physicians or doctors who are employed at the centre, sources added.
Previous trouble
The Bangalore Development Authority allegedly allotted a civic amenity site in 2005 for community service. The centre later sub-leased the three-floor building constructed on it in Banashankari to its sister concern, Mahila Utthan Trust, to run an ayurvedic hospital and dispensary. This was in deviation from the social service clause it had agreed upon.