Court Clears Murugha Mutt Seer in Sexual Abuse Case
A local court in Chitradurga delivered a significant verdict on Wednesday, acquitting Murugha Mutt seer Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru and two others in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) case that was registered in August 2022.
The Case Background and Allegations
The case originated when two girls from a hostel run by the mutt came forward with serious allegations in August 2022. They accused the prominent seer of sexually assaulting them, leading to the registration of a formal case under the Pocso Act.
Five individuals, including a minor boy, were named as accused in the initial complaint. The situation escalated when authorities took the seer into custody on September 1, 2022, marking a dramatic development in the high-profile case that had captured national attention.
Court Proceedings and Acquittal
District and Sessions Judge Gangadharappa Channabasappa Hadapad presided over the case and delivered the verdict. The court also acquitted hostel warden Rashmi and hostel manager Parame Shivaiah, who were co-accused in the matter.
Reading his one-line order in court, Judge Hadapad announced clearly: "All acquitted." The brief but decisive statement brought an end to this particular legal battle for the religious leader and his associates.
Reactions and Future Legal Battles
When approached for comments in Davanagere, the seer maintained silence and declined to speak about the court's decision. His legal representative provided a measured response, stating they needed to examine the detailed order copy before making comprehensive statements.
"We have to see the order copy to get more clarity on the grounds of acquittal and other details," the seer's counsel explained. "We will address the media in a day or two."
However, the legal troubles are far from over for Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru. He faces another Pocso case filed on October 13, 2022, in which the Karnataka High Court has currently stayed the investigation.
The special public prosecutor representing the state confirmed that the government plans to appeal the acquittal verdict in the High Court, indicating that the legal battle will continue.
