Prominent Bengaluru yoga guru arrested for sexually abusing woman when she was minor

Murthu’s arrest came after a 19-year-old woman filed a complaint against him on August 30, alleging that he started sexually harassing her when she was 17 years old.

According to the complaint, the woman had known Murthy since 2019 through his role as secretary-general of the Karnataka Yogasana Sports Association (KYSA), through which she participated in yoga competitions from 2021.

As per the FIR, the first alleged sexual abuse occurred during a 2023 trip to Thailand for a competition, prompting her to quit competitive yoga. She claimed that she joined Murthy’s yoga centre in 2024, and he continued to sexually harass her.

As per the complaint, Murthy allegedly exploited his position of authority, promising her medals and placements in exchange for sexual favours. She claimed that he sexually assaulted her at the institute in August this year followed by another attempted assault the same month, again involving promises of state-level placement opportunities.

Murthy has a PhD in Yoga and captained the national team 12 times, according to the website of his institute. His accolades include a Life Achievement Award from the Karnataka government, it says.

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