Fresh arrest warrant for Karnataka Muruga Mutt seer released from prison in Pocso case

The seer had not obtained bail in the second case and the second additional district sessions court in Chitradurga, where chargesheets have been filed, issued non-bailable arrest warrants for him in the case.

In the second case, where the arrest warrant (returnable by Tuesday) has been issued, the head pontiff is accused by a woman who worked at the Mutt of sexually assaulting her teenage daughter who lived in the Mutt’s hostel. He is required to appear in the court to respond to the charges against him ahead of the framing of the charges by the court to begin the trial.

Last week, the seer walked out of prison despite the prosecution’s argument that his release would harm the interest of the teenage victims of abuse. The high court looked at the gravity of the offence, prima facie materials indicating involvement, likelihood of fleeing and chances of evidence and witness manipulation to order bail.

“It is no doubt true that the accused is the Chief of Mutt which has a large number of devotees and followers. His position itself cannot be a reason for drawing an inference that he will try to meddle with the evidence. Mere allegation to this effect cannot be considered if a case for a bail is otherwise made out. Bail is not an absolute liberty; conditions are always imposed while granting bail. If he misuses the liberty and violates the conditions of bail the same may be considered for cancellation of bail,” the court stated in its bail order.

The bail was granted on the execution of two bonds of Rs 2 lakh and directions to refrain from witness tampering and to stay out of Chitradurga district until the conclusion of the trial.