'Monkey boy' worshipped as god in Mohali loses his tail

Mohali: An Indian boy, who was born with a tail, has lost his ‘monkey god' status after he had the extra flesh removed in order to walk properly.

A screenshot of a YouTube video about Khan, before his surgery

The 14-year-old Arshid Ali Khan, aka Balaji, who has spent his short life being prayed to in a temple, with visitors giving him cash and gifts, was believed to be the reincarnation of Hindu monkey god Hanuman, the Mirror reported.

Doctors at Fortis Hospital in Mohali in Punjab have removed the seven-inch fleshy ‘tail' growing from Khan's back, free of charge, in a seven-hour operation to help him walk better. Balaji's grandfather, Iqbal Qureshi, said they're happy and thankful to the doctors for operating on Balaji.

He added that it was unfortunate that Balaji was born unusual but now he can go on and lead a normal life. Balaji, who wants to be a music teacher, said he is delighted with the successful surgery, adding that now, people will stop calling him god.

Khan, who never liked being considered a deity, says he was a normal kid. His friends are excited for him since he can now be one of them.