Davanagere: On Thursday, Vachanananda Swamiji, the former head of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Guru Peetha, appeared before police in Harihar for questioning in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) case. The case involves allegations of sexual assault on a boy who had been staying at the mutt.
Interrogation and Medical Examination
The seer arrived at the Harihar Rural police station at 9 am in a devotee's car. He was interrogated by a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police BS Basavaraj until approximately 2.45 pm. The case was originally registered at the Lakshmeshwar police station and later transferred to the Harihar Rural police station for further investigation. Police had earlier issued a notice directing the seer to appear for questioning.
After the interrogation ended, his statement was officially recorded by investigators. Following police instructions, he was then taken to the taluk public hospital, where he underwent medical procedures typically conducted in Pocso investigations.
Seer's Statement and Return
Before leaving the police station, Vachanananda Swamiji briefly told reporters, “I respect the law; I abide by the law.” He later returned to the mutt in a private vehicle.
Police Clarification on Arrest
Superintendent of Police HT Shekhar said that the seer was not arrested because he had obtained anticipatory bail. He confirmed that the statement was recorded, the medical examination was completed, and that the investigation would continue with further collection of evidence.
Details of Medical Procedure
At the hospital, doctors collected samples required for a virility test. Medical expert Dr Raghavendra Durgoji said blood, nail, and hair samples were taken, along with the clothes the swamiji was wearing, including undergarments. These materials will be sent to a forensic laboratory for analysis. Doctors also conducted tests related to sexual potency and examined his general health, including blood pressure and pulse.
“The suspect’s mental condition and age verification will also be assessed, and the final medical opinion will depend on forensic findings. Because several years have passed since the alleged incident, securing direct medical evidence now would be difficult,” Dr Durgoji added.
