K’taka seer faces rape, blackmail allegations; files counter-complaint

Bengaluru, April 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji, head of the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha and a prominent figure in the agitation seeking reservation for the Lingayat Panchamasali community, is facing serious allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and blackmail following a complaint by a woman from Bengaluru.

According to the complaint, the woman accused the seer of sexually assaulting her and subjecting her to repeated harassment.

She submitted written complaints to the Chief Minister, the Home Minister, the City Police Commissioner, and the State Women’s Commission, seeking action against him.

Meanwhile, Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji has denied the allegations and filed a counter-complaint in Vijayapura.

In his complaint, he alleged that the woman, along with others, was attempting to defame him under the influence of political figures and had made false accusations.

The complainant, a resident of Thyagarajanagar in Bengaluru, stated that she became acquainted with the Swamiji during his visits to the city, where she had extended support to his social and community movements. Over time, the interaction developed, and she met him on several occasions.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that the Swamiji assaulted her under the pretext of offering ‘prasada’. She further claimed that he behaved inappropriately, touched her in an indecent manner, and recorded private videos during the alleged assault.

According to her, he later used these videos to blackmail her, threatening to release them on social media if she did not comply.

The allegations, which include claims of both physical and mental harassment, have triggered widespread attention and debate.

Meanwhile, based on Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji's complaint, the Vijayapura Rural Police have registered a First Information Report against the woman and four others. It has also been alleged that the woman and her associates attempted to extort money from the Swamiji, demanding funds during his visit to Vijayapura.

Police sources said a First Information Report in this regard was registered on April 4 in Vijayapura. Subsequently, the woman filed her complaint in Bengaluru on April 6, leading to parallel investigations into both sets of allegations.

Authorities are currently examining the complaints and counter-complaints, and further investigation is underway.

Congress Member of Legislative Assembly and National President of the Panchamasali community Vijayanand Kashappanavar responded, saying there is no smoke without fire.

He questioned that if the Swamiji was a man of character, why did he seek an injunction from the court.

Speaking in Bagalkot, MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar said that Basava Jayamrutyunjaya Swamiji has ceased to remain a true Swamiji.

He stated that in both conduct and behaviour, he has not upheld the standards of a Swamiji. It was for this very reason that they had removed him from the Peetha. Before expelling him, they had issued a notice asking him to reform himself, but he did not change. Hence, they proceeded with his expulsion.

He added that time reveals everything, and now those developments are coming to light.

Responding to claims that the woman had blackmailed him and demanded Rs 3 crore, Kashappanavar said that if a woman has made such a demand or allegation, there must have been some basis.

He questioned why a woman would make such accusations without reason and why such a situation would have been allowed to arise in the first place.

He said that everything will come out at the appropriate time, and that facts are gradually emerging. He added that the matter is now before the court and will proceed as per the law.

Source: IANS