Bengaluru, April 7 (NationPress) Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji, the leader of the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha and an influential advocate for the Lingayat Panchamasali community's reservation, is currently embroiled in severe allegations of rape, sexual harassment, and blackmail made by a woman hailing from Bengaluru.

The complaint details accusations against the seer of sexually assaulting the woman and subjecting her to consistent harassment.

She has lodged formal complaints with the Chief Minister, Home Minister, City Police Commissioner, and the State Women’s Commission, demanding action against him.

In response, Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji has refuted the claims and has initiated a counter-complaint in Vijayapura.

In his counter-complaint, he alleges that the woman, along with accomplices, is attempting to tarnish his reputation under the influence of political entities, presenting false allegations.

The complainant, residing in Thyagarajanagar in Bengaluru, claims to have met the Swamiji during his visits, where she supported his community initiatives. Their interactions increased over time, leading to multiple meetings.

In her accusations, she asserts that the Swamiji assaulted her under the guise of offering ‘prasada’. She also alleges inappropriate touching and the recording of private videos during the supposed assault.

Further, she claims he leveraged these videos to blackmail her, threatening to disseminate them on social media if she did not comply.

The allegations, encompassing both physical and emotional abuse, have sparked significant public interest and discourse.

In response to Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji's allegations, the Vijayapura Rural Police have filed a First Information Report against the woman and four others. It has also been claimed that the woman and her associates attempted to extort funds from him during his visit to Vijayapura.

Police reports indicate that an FIR regarding this matter was registered on April 4 in Vijayapura. The woman subsequently filed her complaint in Bengaluru on April 6, resulting in concurrent investigations into both allegations.

Authorities are actively scrutinizing the complaints and counter-complaints as further inquiries proceed.

Vijayanand Kashappanavar, a Congress Member of Legislative Assembly and National President of the Panchamasali community, remarked that there is no smoke without fire.

He questioned the Swamiji's character, asking why he sought a court injunction if he was innocent.

Speaking in Bagalkot, MLA Kashappanavar stated that Basava Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji has deviated from the true essence of a Swamiji.

He criticized the Swamiji's conduct and behavior, claiming he has not adhered to the standards expected of his position. Consequently, they removed him from the Peetha after previously issuing a reform notice that he ignored.

Kashappanavar added that time reveals the truth, and developments are now coming to light.

Regarding claims that the woman demanded Rs 3 crore as part of her blackmailing, he said that if such an allegation was made, there must be some underlying reason.

He questioned why a woman would fabricate such accusations and how the situation escalated. He affirmed that the truth will emerge at the appropriate time and that the matter is now in the judicial system.