Yadgir (Karnataka), Feb 27 (NationPress) The self-styled 'guru' Mallikarjun Mutya, who is implicated in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), has approached the Karnataka High Court requesting the dismissal of the charges against him.

Mutya submitted his petition to the Kalaburagi Bench of the High Court on Friday, aiming to quash the POCSO allegations. His petition highlights that the parents of the alleged victim did not initiate any complaint, asserting that the police filed the FIR independently. It has been reported that he filed this petition from a location that remains undisclosed.

In the meantime, law enforcement agencies have initiated a search to locate and apprehend the accused 'guru'.

His followers have issued a warning to the authorities, demanding the withdrawal of the case within a two-day timeframe. They have threatened to organize protests around the Deputy Commissioner’s office and other prominent areas within the district if their demands are not met.

Supporters gathered at the mutt premises on Friday, collectively deciding on their course of action.

To recap, Mallikarjun Mutya, based in Yadgir, faces allegations of inappropriate behavior towards a minor after a video of the incident gained traction on social media.

In light of these events, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) registered a suo motu case on Thursday, filing a formal complaint with the Yadgir Superintendent of Police (SP).

Mutya, aged between 25 and 26, has reportedly fled his home and is currently evading arrest following the lodging of the FIR. Authorities have issued a notice requesting him to appear for questioning.

Supporters of the accused have asserted that the victim's parents have not lodged any complaints and are unconcerned about the allegations. They assert there is a conspiracy aimed at framing him in a criminal case and tarnishing his reputation.

One devotee remarked, "The statements of both the victim and her parents are crucial. Neither has provided any statements. This case needs to be dismissed; otherwise, we will escalate our protests throughout the district."

It’s noteworthy that the viral footage related to the case, which has incited a wave of public outrage, allegedly depicts Mallikarjun Mutya behaving inappropriately with a child seated in his lap. The video further shows him forcefully dragging the child across a table in front of witnesses, before hugging and kissing her inappropriately.

A case has been filed under the POCSO Act at the Gogi Police Station, following a complaint from the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Shahapur taluk.

In correspondence with the SP, Commission Chairman Shashidhar Kosambe stated: "A video showing the accused misbehaving with a minor girl is circulating on social media, triggering public outcry for swift action. The Commission has taken cognizance of this footage and has registered a suo motu case. Therefore, you are instructed to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a detailed report to the Commission."

Responding to these allegations, the family of the accused insists on his innocence, claiming the child is a distant relative and that his actions were merely expressions of paternal or brotherly affection.

According to the family, the girl's father initially captured the video to document a moment of "affection" towards the child. They argue that after the video was shared as a mobile status, the public misinterpreted the context, twisting the narrative to implicate him wrongly.

The police are continuing their investigation.