(By Dotun Onimole)
This boy of 12 with a “tail” growing from his back has been hailed as a god in India. Followers flock to Arshid Ali Khan’s temple often leaving cash or gifts in return for a blessing.
They believe the youngster Balaji to his devotees is the reincarnation of Hindu monkey god Hanuman. But doctors say he has meningocele, a form of spina bifida where the spinal cord develops abnormally.
Balaji, who lives with his grandparents near Chandigarh, said: “I love my tail. It’s a gift from God. It’s unusual but people respect me and bow before me because of it. I feel special.”
However, doctors say if the growth is not removed, Balaji’s twisted limbs could become worse.
