Karnataka Seer Booked Under POCSO Act Over Abuse Allegations by Minor Boy
The boy's parents had lodged a complaint in Lakshmeshwar police station of Gadag district last week, following which the local police registered a 'Zero FIR'
Davangere: A POCSO case has been registered against seer Vachanananda Swami after the parents of a minor boy alleged that their son was harassed and sexually exploited by him, police said on Wednesday. The boy's parents had lodged a complaint in Lakshmeshwar police station of Gadag district last week, following which the local police registered a 'Zero FIR', they said.
However, since the incident allegedly occurred while the boy, who was 14-years-old, studying and staying at the hostel run by Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Gurupeetha, the case was recently transferred to Harihara Rural Police Station in Davangere district, a senior police officer said.
Last month, the seer was expelled from the peetha (religious chair) after a majority decision by the trustees.
According to the officer, the boy's parents alleged in the complaint that their son was studying at the math between 2021 and 2024. He was allegedly harassed and sexually exploited by the seer, who made the boy massage him.
The boy was also threatened of dire consequences by the seer if he revealed the incident to anyone, the complainant has alleged, he said.
"The complainant's and the boy's statements have been recorded. The boy's medical examination is being conducted. A detailed investigation is underway, and all allegations are being looked into," he added.
