KEY POINTS:
KATHMANDU - He began his treeside vigil almost two years ago, but the Nepali teenager said to be immune to snakebites and fire, and hailed as a reincarnation of the Buddha, has fuelled scepticism about his meditation claims by disappearing - again.
Ram Bahadur Bamjon, 16, who captured the imagination of millions around the world in 2005 when his supporters said he had been meditating for six months without moving, eating or drinking, has not been seen by his devotees for four days. Police have failed to trace Bamjon, but one of his followers said he was safe and meditating at a new location.
Bamjon disappeared on another occasion almost exactly a year ago, only to reappear months later, this time carrying a sword for self-defence.
His fame was sealed when a poisonous snake bit him. A few days later he is reported to have said: "A snake bit me but I do not need treatment. I need six years of deep meditation."
More than 100,000 pilgrims have poured into the jungle to see the "Buddha Boy".
- INDEPENDENT
