Zero FIR lodged against Vachanananda Swamiji over alleged sexual harassment of minor

DAVANAGERE: A Zero FIR has been registered at Lakshmeshwar police station against Vachanananda Swamiji of the Veerashaiva Panchamasali Lingayath Math in Harihar over allegations of sexual harassment involving a minor, an official said on Thursday.

Officials said the incident is alleged to have taken place on the morning of March 20, 2024. According to officials, the complaint was filed by a 40-year-old labourer, whose 16-year-old son was enrolled as a student at the Math between 2021 and 2024.

The complainant has alleged that during his stay at the institution, the minor and other students were subjected to repeated sexual and physical abuse. The victim has alleged that the Swamiji would force him and other minors to strip in the Matha’s bathroom.

It has further been alleged that they were made to massage the accused’s private parts while he was naked, and were inappropriately touched. When the children resisted, they were reportedly subjected to physical assault and denied food. The complaint further states that the accused issued death threats to the victims to prevent them from disclosing the alleged abuse.

Police have booked the accused under Sections 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, along with Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code. Further investigation is still under way. (ANI)