Police File FIR Against Karnataka Seer Over Alleged Mutt Property Misappropriation
In a significant development from Karnataka's Haveri district, police have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Gurusiddha Rajayogindra Swamiji, the 66-year-old head of two prominent religious institutions. The seer leads both the Kumareshwara Virakta Mutt in Hangal and the Hubballi Murusavira Mutt, making this case particularly noteworthy for devotees and authorities alike.
Court Directive Triggers Police Action
The legal proceedings gained momentum following a court directive that mandated police intervention. This judicial order came after Ravindra Shivamurthyappa Chikkeri, a 50-year-old resident of Hosalli village in Hangal taluk, filed a private complaint. Acting on behalf of concerned devotees, Chikkeri sought legal protection for the Mutt's valuable assets, alleging systematic mismanagement.
After conducting a preliminary investigation, the court instructed local law enforcement to file a formal FIR and initiate a comprehensive inquiry. Consequently, authorities registered a case against Kumaraswami, also known as Gurusiddha Rajayogindra Swamiji, marking the beginning of an official police investigation.
Police Confirm Registration and Investigation
Superintendent of Police Yashodha Vantagodi confirmed the development, stating clearly: "We registered a case against Gurusiddha Rajayogindra Swamiji as per the court's directive. The investigation officer continued the inquiry, and further action was taken after reviewing the records." This statement underscores the procedural adherence to judicial instructions while highlighting the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Specific Allegations of Property Misuse
The complaint outlines several serious allegations against the accused seer, focusing primarily on property transactions and financial irregularities:
- Unauthorized Land Transfer: The seer allegedly violated existing restrictions by converting Mutt lands to his personal name, registering himself as the legal owner despite having only managerial authority, not inheritance rights.
- Questionable Land Transaction: He reportedly conducted a sale involving 2 acres and 38 guntas of land located in Belagalapete village to Gangadhar Channabasappa Huggishetter, receiving Rs 4 lakh in payment. Allegedly, this amount was not deposited into the Virakta Mutt Trust account but used for personal purposes instead.
- Municipal Area Land Sale: Another transaction involved selling land within the Hangal municipal area to the Kumareshwara Pattina Sahakari Sangha for Rs 12,08,795. The complaint asserts that these proceeds were similarly diverted for personal use rather than benefiting the Mutt.
- Misuse of Devotee Offerings: Beyond property sales, the seer stands accused of misappropriating valuable items received as offerings and donations from devotees, thereby betraying their trust and violating ethical responsibilities.
These allegations paint a picture of systematic financial misconduct that could have significant implications for the management of religious institutions in the region. The investigation continues as authorities examine records and gather evidence to determine the full extent of the alleged violations.
