On Wednesday, Bengaluru police reported that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against four individuals, including a woman, following allegations by Jagadguru Basavajaya Mruthyunjaya Swami of the Lingayat Panchamasali Jagadguru Mahapeetha located in Kudala Sangama. The complaints involve accusations of extortion, criminal intimidation, and defamation.
In response, the woman has reached out to the state women’s commission and other relevant authorities, alleging that the Swami has engaged in sexual exploitation and blackmail, although no FIR has been registered regarding her claims as of now.
In his complaint submitted on April 4, the Swami detailed that he had met the woman, the main accused associated with a Bengaluru-based foundation, approximately two to three years ago. She approached him under the guise of seeking assistance for an orphanage and other social initiatives.
Over time, she allegedly began to make repeated requests for financial support. When he declined her requests, she purportedly sought to damage his reputation through false claims and media campaigns.
The FIR, filed at the Vijayapura Rural police station, states that on February 11, 2026, the accused reportedly stopped the Swami’s vehicle near Kaggod village in Vijayapura district and demanded money. When he refused, they allegedly caused a disturbance and inflicted damage on the vehicle until staff members intervened.
Furthermore, the complaint asserts that defamatory content targeting the Swami was disseminated via television and YouTube platforms. Despite the Swami obtaining an interim injunction from a civil court in Bengaluru, the accused allegedly continued their smear campaign.
Additionally, the Swami reported that one of his disciples received a threatening phone call demanding Rs 3 crore, with threats of further defamation should the payment not be made. The complaint also includes threats of a fabricated rape case against him.
In addition to the woman, the police have identified three other suspects: Pratvigoud Bin Aravindgoud, Yashwant M, and MD Viresh. They have registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to extortion and intimidation.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the woman filed complaints with the Karnataka State Women Commission, the State Human Rights Commission, the chief minister, the home minister, and the Bengaluru City police commissioner, alleging sexual exploitation and blackmail by the Swami.
In her allegations, she stated that her initial contact with the Swami occurred through social and community activities, where they met multiple times in Bengaluru. She claimed he earned her trust by offering to support her initiatives.
According to her, he later invited her to a private setting under the pretense of providing media exposure and assistance, where he is said to have acted inappropriately and made unwanted physical advances, subjecting her to sexual exploitation.
The woman also alleged that the Swami recorded private videos without her consent and used these recordings to threaten and blackmail her, warning that they would be shared on social media if she did not comply with his demands. She reported that these incidents have caused her significant mental distress, fear, and emotional trauma.
As of now, no FIR has been filed against the Swami. However, the Karnataka State Women Commission has communicated with the superintendent of police, urging action on the woman’s allegations.
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