Hosanagar (Shimoga dist), Aug 30 (DHNS): Supporters of the pontiff of the Ramachandrapur Math based here have decided to throw their weight behind him, over charges of sexual harassment against the seer. Singer Premalatha had on Wednesday filed a case at the Banashankari police station in Bangalore in this regard.
Leaders of various communities at Melinabesige village of Hosanagar taluk have decided to stage a protest in Hosanagar on August 30.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Chandramurthy, president of the Ganapati Seva Samiti, said people with vested interests were making baseless allegations against the seer, with the sole intention of tarnishing his image and that of the Math.
“We strongly condemn this and urge the State government not to consider the charges seriously.”
He said that the seer had implemented several development works in the pilgrim centre of Gokarna in Uttara Kannada district after taking charge of the temples and the Math located there.
Chandramurthy said that the pontiff had put an end to anti-social activities that were taking place in the temple town.
Unable to bear this, some local people are making charges against the seer.“We urge the Siddaramaiah-led government to punish people who are making such baseless allegations against the seer.”
Judicial custody
Meanwhile in Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district, the JMFC court on Thursday remanded Diwakar Shastry and his wife, singer Premalatha, in judicial custody, in the case of alleged blackmail of seer Raghaveshwara Bharati.
Judge Anil Prakash, who heard their bail application, put off the hearing to September 9.
The police had arrested the couple and produced them in court on Wednesday, following a complaint that they were blackmailing the pontiff of the Ramachandrapur Math. The complaint had been lodged by Chandrashekhar of the Math. Narayana Shastry, another suspect in the case, is said to be absconding. The court rejected the request by the police for custody of Diwakar Shastry.
The court gave time till Saturday to the lawyer representing the complainant to file objections.
On Saturday, the court will also conduct the hearing on where and how the case filed by Premalatha, alleging that the pontiff had harassed her sexually, should be heard, N L Naika, the advocate for the suspects, told Deccan Herald.