Indian police block 'wonder boy'

Police in India have stopped a five-year-old Indian wonder boy famed for his long-distance runs from competing in a 500km (310-mile) walk.

Dozens of police officers blocked a road in Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Orissa, and prevented Budhia Singh from taking part in the walkathon.

Officials say the move was necessary in the interests of the boy's health.



Last year they said that a similar trek in the scorching heat amounted to a form of "severe torture".

"We have an order that Budhia Singh should not be allowed to participate in the proposed walkathon," Amitabh Thakur, superintendent of police, told reporters in Bhubaneswar.

"Nobody can exploit Budhia for their personal gain. The authorities told us to ensure that," he said.