Kunigal: Swamiji of Sri Vidya Chowdeshwari Maha Samsthana Matha arrested under POCSO Act

PTI, Mar 8, 2024, 10:19 AM IST

Kunigal: Bala Manjunath Swamiji of Hangarahalli Sri Vidya Chowdeshwari Maha Samsthana Matha has been arrested by the police late on Thursday, March 7th ningt under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The arrest comes after Swamiji, who had previously lodged a complaint against six individuals for blackmailing him with nude videos purportedly taken under the guise of dermatology treatment, found himself ensnared by the police.

A case of blackmail was filed against Swamiji’s servant, Abhishek, and six others, including a relative, for allegedly recording a nude video of a boy from the monastery while purportedly treating a skin condition. Following investigations, the police uncovered the truth and registered a case under the POCSO Act.

Police inquiries into the blackmail case led to an investigation at the Math from Thursday evening, continuing until 11:30 PM. Intensive interrogation of Swamiji ensued, leading to revelations based on information provided by Abhishek.