Lingayat Seer Released on Bail Amidst Sexual Assault Allegations
Renowned Lingayat seer Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru has been granted conditional bail by the Karnataka High Court after spending almost a year in jail. He walked out of the prison on Thursday amidst allegations of sexual assault lodged against him by two young girls residing in the hostel run by his mutt.
Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru is the chief pontiff of a prominent Lingayat mutt located in Chitradurga, Karnataka. The allegations of rape surfaced when protests erupted following accusations made by two teenage girls.
Last week, the Karnataka High Court initially granted him bail, and he subsequently received bail in other cases at the Chitradurga court. However, due to technical reasons, his release was postponed until today. The court has imposed the condition that he is not allowed to enter Chitradurga.
The two girls, aged 15 and 16, filed a police complaint at the Nazarabad police station in Mysuru, alleging sexual harassment at the Lingayat mutt in Chitradurga. According to their complaint, the girls endured sexual abuse for more than three and a half years at the hands of the seer.
Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru faces charges of rape and sexual harassment. One of the girls initially mentioned repeated sexual penetration but later refused to consent to a medical examination by doctors. In September 2022, the same girl informed the government doctor that there had been no sexual penetration.
Moreover, another woman lodged a complaint against Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru in October 2023, accusing him of sexually harassing her minor daughter.
The case has ignited a fierce debate regarding the allegations made against the Lingayat seer. It has left the community divided, with some supporting the alleged victims, highlighting the importance of their safety and justice, while others stand behind the seer, asserting his innocence until proven guilty.
Critics argue that the seer’s release on bail amidst serious allegations raises concerns about the handling of sexual assault cases in India. They emphasize the need for a thorough investigation and fair trial to ensure justice is served.
As the controversy surrounding this case continues to unfold, it remains crucial to balance the perspectives of all parties involved while maintaining the principles of a just and impartial legal system.
