Self-proclaimed ‘godman’ Mallikarjun Mutya, accused in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) case, has approached the Karnataka High Court to request the dismissal of the case against him. Mutya filed a petition at the Kalaburagi Bench of the High Court seeking to quash the POCSO case, claiming that the police registered the FIR without a complaint from the alleged victim’s parents.
The police are currently searching for the accused ‘godman’ while his followers have threatened authorities to withdraw the case within two days. His devotees have vowed to protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office and other locations if their demand is not met. Mallikarjun Mutya, based in Yadgir, is accused of misbehaving with a minor girl, as seen in a viral video.
The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has taken action by registering a suo motu case and lodging a formal complaint with the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Yadgir. The accused, Mallikarjun Mutya, aged 25-26, is currently evading arrest after fleeing his residence following the filing of an FIR. His devotees claim that the victim’s parents did not file a complaint and allege a conspiracy to defame him.
The video that sparked public outrage shows Mallikarjun Mutya behaving inappropriately with a child, leading to the registration of a case under the POCSO Act. The Commission Chairman has directed the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and submit a detailed report. The accused’s family maintains his innocence, stating that the actions captured in the video were misconstrued and that he was merely displaying affection towards a distant relative.
