Gandhian principles, epitomised in the Bollywood blockbuster "Lage Raho Munnabhai", have not only inspired students and youth but also mobster Babloo Srivastava who has been facing trials in different criminal cases for the past 10 years.

He surprised everyone Thursday when he turned up at a local court for his hearing with a bunch of flowers.

Right from the time he alighted from the police van that brought him from the district jail, Srivastava gave away a red rose to everyone he met - be it a lawyer, a policemen, an ordinary person or a journalist.

He chose to follow what actor Sanjay Dutt did in the movie - taking to the Gandhian path of peace and love.

"The path of 'ahimsa' (non violence) shown by Mahatma Gandhi always impressed me. However, one needs to realise that Gandhigiri will succeed only if it is practised by powerful people," Srivastava told reporters.

He went on: "When one gives flowers to anyone what matters is the strength of the person who is offering them."

Reverting to the film, Srivastava sought to reason out: "See even in 'Lage Raho Munnabhai', Sanjay Dutt plays a powerful don, who eventually takes to Gandhigiri and succeeds."

He plans to repeat his performance on his next court hearing Oct 4.

Notorious for his skills in kidnapping for ransom, Srivastava was arrested by Interpol in Singapore in 1996 after which he was extradited to India.

He has been facing trial for his alleged involvement in different crimes including murder, kidnapping and extortion. 

--- IANS