Former Chief Minister and BJP’s Parliamentary Board member B.S. Yediyurappa rallied behind Murugha Mutt seer Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, who has been accused of sexually harassing minor girls, by terming the allegations as false, while Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was cautious by saying that investigation will reveal the truth.
Mr. Yediyurappa, prominent leader of the Lingayat community, on Sunday claimed that a false case has been lodged against the seer. “It is a planned conspiracy and there is no truth in the allegations. Truth will come out after investigation,” he said.
He said that the seer has won the hearts of people by contributing to religious, education, and health sectors. “Those who know Murugha mutt well cannot make such allegations against the seer. I believe he is innocent and I am confident that he will come out of this,” he said.
At the same time, Mr. Bommai refused to comment on the ongoing investigation against the seer and said the investigation will reveal the truth.
He told reporters in Bengaluru that the police have been given full freedom and truth will come out after investigation. “This is an important case. A case under POCSO Act has been registered, and a case of kidnap has been filed in Chitradurga. The police are investigating both,” the Chief Minister said.
Mr. Bommai said that it would be inappropriate to speak on the case or pass a judgment when police are investigating.
Meanwhile, the Mysuru district committee of AIDSO has sought an impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment made against the seer, said Chandrakala, secretary of AIDSO Mysuru district committee. The incident should be thoroughly investigated and stringent punishment should be meted to all guilty, she said while adding that the government should ensure that the law takes its own course without any influence from outside.
Regarding the Idgah Maidan issue in Chamarajpet, Mr. Bommai clarified that there is no confusion and the Revenue Minister has held meetings with officials over celebrating Ganeshotsava there. “Currently, applications are being reviewed and a decision would be taken soon.”
