Self-Styled Godman Charged Under Pocso for Alleged Misconduct with Minor in Yadgir
A Pocso case has been officially registered at the Gogi police station in Yadgir district, targeting self-styled godman Mallikarjun Muthya from Mahal Roja in Shahapur taluk. The charges stem from allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor girl, sparking widespread concern and legal action.
Viral Video Triggers Investigation and Suo Motu Complaint
The case gained momentum after a video clip showing Muthya misbehaving with a seven-year-old girl from Maharashtra went viral on social media platforms. In response, Shashidhar Kosambe, the chairman of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, confirmed that the commission had registered a suo motu complaint. The commission has directed the superintendent of police to thoroughly examine the video and submit a detailed report to ensure accountability.
Police Action and Accused's Response
Following the registration of the case, Muthya absconded, evading initial police contact. However, SP Prithvi Shankar stated that the accused has since assured authorities of his cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Police are actively pursuing leads to bring him to justice under the stringent provisions of the Pocso Act.
Parental Testimony and District-Level Coordination
District child protection officers have visited the mutt associated with Muthya, meeting the girl's parents and conducting a preliminary inquiry. The parents revealed that they had been visiting the mutt for the past three years and recorded the incident on their mobile phones on February 19, when Muthya hugged their daughter closely. They uploaded the clip to social media, hoping it would garner attention due to the mutt's large following.
After receiving a report from the district child protection officers, the District-Level Coordination Committee—comprising the deputy commissioner, the zilla panchayat CEO, the SP, and the member secretary of the Legal Services Authority—jointly reviewed the video. The committee concluded that the incident, which occurred when the girl visited the mutt to celebrate her aunt's birthday, involved intentional inappropriate touching, warranting the Pocso case registration.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
Authorities emphasize that the investigation is under way, with a focus on gathering evidence and ensuring the child's safety. The case highlights the critical role of digital evidence and community vigilance in combating child abuse, as social media played a pivotal role in bringing the alleged misconduct to light.
