Holy man 'runs Delhi vice ring'

Delhi, 02 March-(ANA)-Police in the Indian capital Delhi are investigating a popular Hindu "holy man" whom they accuse of running a prostitution ring from his temple.

Shiv Murat Dwivedi is accused of supplying prostitutes in the wealthy areas of south Delhi and the city's five-star hotels.

Police say he was arrested by undercover officers posing as clients.

Six women were arrested with him including, police say, an aspiring Bollywood actress and a British Airways air hostess.

A spokesman for British Airways said the company was investigating if one of those arrested was a current or former member of staff, but had no information yet.

The police say that Shiv Murat Dwivedi was arrested twice before in the 1990s before changing his appearance and identity, and re-emerging as a self-styled holy man.

He reportedly claimed a following of more than 100,000 people, including leading politicians. (ANA)

FA/ANA/02 March 2010-------