The man slapped Agnivesh during the public meeting here, and was identified as Mahant Nityanand Das. He had taken umbrage at Agnivesh's recent comment that the Amarnath shivling was made out of artificial ice. Das had announced a reward of Rs.51,000 to anyone who would hurl a shoe at Agnivesh.
A mahant at a temple near Nadiad, Nityanand approached Agnivesh, who was with anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare at the public meeting here. As Agnivesh moved to shake hands, the mahant slapped him. Agnivesh’s turban was also knocked off and fell to the ground.
Nityanand later told media persons that while he supports Anna Hazare’s campaign, he was angered by Agnivesh's comments against Amarnath.
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