YouTuber Music Mailari arrested after chase in POCSO case

BAGALKOT: popular YouTube sensation known for his folk songs, Music Mailari, has been arrested on Wednesday morning in connection with a sexual assault case involving a minor girl. The Mahalingapur police tracked him down near Tikota in Vijayapura district after a hot chase, arrested him and produced him before a magistrate.

Music Mailari (29), popular as ‘Trending Star’, was arrested after a case was registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The police are now investigating the matter and have also launched a search for his six associates.

The police took Mailari to a hospital for medical examination before producing him before the magistrate and are planning further interrogation.

The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with folk artists and locals condemning Mailari’s actions. “He has brought a bad name to the folk art community”, said Junior Yash, a local artist. “If the allegations are true, he should face the law”, he added.

DJ Manju, Benki Latha and Shankar Athani, three of the other accused.

Mailari was known for his unique voice and songs, but his lyrics often featured obscene language, which has been criticized for corrupting the youth.

“Such people bring disrepute to folk arts. The government and the district administration should take steps to prevent use of vulgar language and performances of minors in orchestras and youths are negatively influenced”, said Jyothi Guledagudda, another folk artist.

Police Superintendent Siddhart Goyal said, “On December 15, an FIR was registered at the Chikkodi police station against seix people for sexual assault of a minor. Two of the accused had physically assaulted the victim after visiting her house. The main accused Music Mailari was arrested under non-bailable charges. The incident had occurred on October 24 during an orchestra performance”.