Muruga Mutt row: Journalist P Sainath announces returning Basavashree award after pontiff’s arrest

In a series of tweets on Friday, Sainath made his decision public after the chief pontiff of the Muruga Math, Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, was arrested for the alleged sexual abuse of school girls.

He said he was disturbed to learn from media reports that Sharanaru faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. (Source: Twitter/PSainath)

Noted journalist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee P Sainath has said he is returning the Basavashree award, which was conferred on him by the Muruga Mutt in 2017.

In a series of tweets on Friday, Sainath made his decision public after the chief pontiff of the Muruga Mutt, Shivamurthy Muruga Sharanaru, was arrested for the alleged sexual abuse of school girls.

“In solidarity with the? survivors and with the cause of justice in this case, I hereby return the Basavashree award (and the Rs 5 lakh prize money that came with it by cheque) conferred on me by the Math in 2017,” Sainath said in one of the tweets.

1/5. I am most disturbed to learn from media reports of the appalling developments involving the pontiff of the Shri Murughamath in Chitradurga, Shri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru. He now faces a case and charges under the POCSO and SC/ST act.#MurughaMutt

— P. Sainath (@PSainath_org) September 2, 2022

He said he was disturbed to learn from media reports that Sharanaru faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Story continues below this ad

No word is strong enough to condemn such offences against children, the eminent journalist said.

He also appreciated the efforts of Mysuru-based NGO ‘OdaNadi’ to bring the incidents to light and their decades-long fight against social evils.

He also appealed to the Karnataka government to pursue the investigation into the scandal vigorously.

The pontiff has been remanded in police custody till September 5 in connection with the case.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Taboola...

‘Given stale food, locked up’: Truck cleaner on ‘abduction’ horror at Khedkar residence

Cities53 min ago

A truck cleaner in Navi Mumbai was rescued by the police after being abducted by the father of a sacked IAS officer. The victim was held captive, given stale food, and threatened with murder. The accused demanded compensation for their damaged car and threatened to kill the victim if not paid. The accused have been charged with extortion and destruction of evidence.

View all shorts

Live Blog