Police in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district have taken suo motu action against a prominent religious seer after a video of him firing a gun into the air spread rapidly across social media platforms. The incident has sparked public outcry and led to judicial custody for the seer.
Seer Remanded After Viral Video Triggers Case
Shantalinga Shivacharya Swami, the head of the Sankaralingeshwar Hiremath Sansthan in Udchan village, was remanded to judicial custody on Tuesday. The Kalaburagi police registered the case under the Arms Act at the Afzalpur police station based solely on the viral video evidence and subsequent public demand for action.
Superintendent of Police Adduru Srinivasalu confirmed the sequence of events. "Our social media monitoring cell flagged the video, which clearly shows a man firing a gun into the air. Following this report and public reaction, we initiated a suo motu case," Srinivasalu stated. He clarified that the firearm involved was legally licensed to the seer and that no formal complaint had been lodged prior to the police action. The SP also noted there was no immediate threat to law and order from the incident itself.
Public Protest and Allegations of Erratic Behavior
Parallel to the police case, discontent has been brewing among some followers of the mutt. On Tuesday night, a group of devotees staged a night-long protest in Udchan village. They alleged the seer has been exhibiting erratic behaviour and is involved in other unlawful activities, demanding stricter action against him.
Villagers provided further context to the seer's recent past. They revealed that Shantalinga Swami, who has led the mutt for two decades, was involved in a car accident in Salotagi village, Vijayapur district, approximately eight months ago. Following this incident, he reportedly went absconding for several months, resurfacing at the mutt only recently. This disappearance had even prompted efforts within the mutt to appoint a new seer.
"He did not give up his earlier bad habits even after returning," alleged Gaddeappa Metre, a villager and devotee, echoing the sentiments of the protesting group.
Investigation Underway Amid Judicial Process
With the case now formally registered, the Kalaburagi police have begun a detailed investigation. SP Srinivasalu confirmed that the seer was thoroughly questioned in connection with the viral video. The judicial custody order marks the next step in the legal process, as authorities examine the circumstances surrounding the public display of firearm use.
The case highlights the increasing role of social media as a trigger for police action, even in the absence of a formal complaint. It also underscores the complex dynamics within religious institutions when figures of authority face legal and public scrutiny. The police continue to investigate the matter while the seer remains in custody.
