Chitradurga court acquits Murugha Mutt seer in POCSO case, gives major relief after two-year trial
Chitradurga: In a major courtroom development, the Chitradurga District Court on Wednesday acquitted Murugha Mutt seer Dr. Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru in the POCSO case, giving the seer a huge relief after more than two years of legal battle. The court also acquitted all other accused in the case.
The case dates back to August 31, 2022, when allegations surfaced that the seer had sexually assaulted two minor girls studying at the Murugha Mutt hostel. A case was registered under the POCSO Act, and the seer was arrested the following day, September 1, 2022. He remained in judicial custody for nearly 14 months before being released on conditional bail on November 16, 2023.
On Wednesday, the Second Additional Sessions Court of Chitradurga pronounced the verdict in the first POCSO case, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove the allegations. Judge G.C. Hadapad declared Dr. Shivamurthy Sharanaru “not guilty,” bringing an end to the trial in this charge sheet.
The court also acquitted Rashmi (Accused No. 2) and Paramashivayya (Accused No. 4), who were charged with aiding the alleged offences. Advocate C.V. Nagesh argued the case on behalf of the Murugha seer.
The complaint had accused the seer, lady warden Rashmi, hostel manager Paramashivayya, Basavaditya and advocate Gangadharayya of sexually harassing and exploiting two minor hostel inmates. The first POCSO case was registered at Nazarabad Police Station, Mysuru, before being transferred for trial.
The verdict has drawn widespread attention as the case had triggered massive public debate, protests and political reactions when it first came to light in 2022. Heavy security was deployed around the court premises due to the sensitivity of the case.
With the first POCSO case ending in acquittal, legal experts now await the progress of other related proceedings, if any, pending before the courts.
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