Medics baffled by man who doesn't eat

Scientists admit they are puzzled by an Indian man who claims not to have eaten or drunk anything in the last 65 years.

And they concede he may hold the key to understanding how humans could be taught to live without food or water.

Prahlad Jani, 82, has been subjected to 15 days of testing and observations by military doctors from India's Defence Research and Development Organisation.

Mr Jani, a holy man who follows the Hindu Goddess Amba, claims to survive on an "elixir" fed to him by Amba to give him strength. He has lived in a cave for the past 40 years.

During his time in hospital from April 22, the so called 82-year-old "miracle man" was monitored 24 hours a day by doctors who confirmed he consumed no food or water during the 15-day period.

Medical tests conducted on Mr Jani found he was healthier than someone half his age.

"Clinical, biochemical, radiological and other relevant examinations were done on Prahlad Jani and all reports were within a safe range throughout the study. He is healthy, his mind is sharp," Indian military doctor [...] Illavashagn was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail newspaper.

"What is truly astonishing , and something we have no explanation for, is that he passed no stools or urine. To my knowledge, that is medically unprecedented."

Mr Jani — who dresses as a female devotee of his goddess Amba in a red sari-like garment, nose ring, bangles and long hair — appeared at a press conference after emerging from hospital last Thursday.

"I am fit and strong today and even the doctors agree. They ran every test possible for 15 days and proved that I do not need food to keep me strong," he told local media.

"I am strong and healthy because it is the way god wants me to be."

A spokesperson for the Defence Research and Development Organisation told the Daily Mail his case could "help save human lives during natural disasters, high altitude, sea journeys and other natural and human extremities".