Expelled Seer Vachananand Swami Defies Eviction as Legal Battle Escalates at Harihar Mutt
The ongoing dispute between expelled seer Vachananand Swami and the trustees of the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Guru Peetha in Harihar has reached a critical juncture, with the seer steadfastly refusing to relinquish his position. This confrontation has now spilled into the legal arena, with both parties filing caveats in multiple courts across Karnataka, signaling a protracted battle ahead.
Legal Maneuvers and Court Filings Intensify the Conflict
In a preemptive move, Vachananand Swami filed caveats in the Harihar junior and senior courts, as well as the Davanagere district court, before the trustees could initiate any legal action. This strategic step was aimed at ensuring that any petitions filed against him would be promptly brought to his attention, as trustees indicated they might seek legal recourse to evict him from the mutt. The trustees, who expelled the Swami on April 13 citing multiple reasons, responded by filing their own caveats in Harihar, Davanagere, and the Karnataka High Court. These filings are designed to guarantee that any legal moves by the Swami are immediately communicated to the mutt's trust, highlighting the escalating legal tensions.
Child Welfare Committee Investigates Allegations of Abuse
Amid the legal wrangling, new troubles have emerged for Vachananand Swami. A group of children residing at the Veerashaiva Panchamasali Guru Peetha has lodged a complaint, alleging that the Swami used abusive language and subjected them to misdemeanors. This has prompted an official inquiry by the Davanagere Child Welfare Committee. Acting on the children's plaint, committee chairperson Manjula Mahesh, along with other officials and police personnel, visited the monastery to assess the situation. During the inspection, Manjula raised concerns over the absence of a register for students staying at the hostel. "Counselling was conducted for three children, and the committee's report is expected by Monday," she stated, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
Community Leaders and Trustees Demand Swami's Departure
Community leaders and trustees have voiced strong demands for Vachananand Swami to vacate the mutt. Kichadi Kotresh, state president of the Youth Wing of the Panchamasali Community, warned, "We request Vachananand Swami to leave the Peetha with respect. We have approached the court already and will explore other ways to evict him from the Peetha." Trustee H S Nagaraj added, "Despite being expelled, the unethical Vachananand Swami remains at the mutt. Society has rejected him. He should explain how he is still using the society and what his contributions are. He was put on the throne for a reason, but acted differently. He should leave the mutt honourably." Vachananand Swami has declined to comment on these allegations, further fueling the controversy.
The situation at the Veerashaiva Panchamasali Guru Peetha remains tense, with legal battles, child welfare investigations, and community pressures converging. As both sides dig in their heels, the resolution of this conflict appears uncertain, with potential implications for the mutt's governance and the broader Panchamasali community.
