Murugha math seer acquitted in both POCSO cases, followers rejoice

CHITRADURGA: The Murugha Math seer, Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, was on Wednesday acquitted in the two POCSO case registered against him by the 2nd Additional District and Sessions Court due to lack of evidence.

The case was registered on August 26, 2022, based on complaints by two minor girls who were students at the math’s hostel. They alleged that Murugha Shree and other accused persons, including hostel warden Rashmi, manager Paramashivaiah, and others, has sexually abused them.

The police had registered a case under the POCSO Act and IPC sections 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural offences), and 34 (common intention). The accused were arrested, and a chargesheet was filed against them. The trial court had earlier granted conditional bail to Murugha Shree, but the Supreme Court had directed the trial court to expedite the trial.

The prosecution had examined 13 witnesses, including the victims, and submitted a 694-page chargesheet. The defence had argued that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the charges. The court, after hearing the arguments, acquitted Murugha Shree and other accused persons, citing lack of evidence.

On January 10, 2023, the prosecution submitted a second chargesheet, which was 761-pages long. The court had framed charges against the accused, and the trial had commenced. The prosecution had alleged that Murugha Shree and other accused persons had sexually abused the two minor girls at the math’s hostel.

The defence had denied the allegations and claimed that the case was fabricated. The court had heard the arguments and examined the evidence presented by the prosecution. The court had also considered the statements of the victims and other witnesses. After evaluating the evidence, the court acquitted Murugha Shree and other accused persons, stating that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Murugha Shree’s supporters had gathered outside the court, celebrating the acquittal. They claimed that the case was fabricated and that Murugha Shree was innocent. The acquittal has sparked controversy, with some groups demanding a re-investigation and others welcoming the court’s decision. The prosecution has not yet decided whether to appeal against the judgment.

The seer refused to react to the judgment. His aide Jitendra said, “We had reposed our faith in Murugesha and Murugha Shree and our belief is enforced now”. He also lifted up the seer’s lawyer K B K Swamy and jubilated.