Man 'lives 70 years without food and water'

Doctors are investigating reports that an 83-year-old man has survived for 70 years without food or water.

A team of 30 medics are observing yogi Prahlad Jani and have set up two cameras to ensure that he is monitored 24 hours a day, Sky News reports.

Dr G. Ilavazahagan, who is directing the research in the Indian city of Ahmedabad, said: "The observation from this study may throw light on human survival without food and water.

"This may help in working out strategies for survival during natural calamities, extreme stressful conditions and extra-terrestrial explorations like future missions to the Moon and Mars by the human race."

He added: "The exercise of taking this yogi under the medical scanner is to understand what energy supports his existence.

"Jani says he meditates to get energy. Our soldiers will not be able to meditate, but we would still like to find out more about the man and his body."

Jani, who grew up in Charod village in the Mehsana district in Gujarat, claims to have been blessed by a goddess when he was 8 years old.

He reportedly has not eaten, drunk or been to the toilet since the experiment began on April 22.

The Department for Work and Pensions is looking for ways this technique can also be used by pensioners and benefit claimants in Britain