Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)
Puttur, Jul 2: In connection with the rape case filed by Ramakatha singer, Premalata Shastri, against spiritual head of Sri Ramachandrapur Math, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathiteertha Swamiji, a team of criminal investigation department (CID) sleuths came to the taluk and held investigation. The team of officers is led by CID deputy superintendent of police, M L Purushotham.
The team, which was escorted by police personnel from the local station, was accompanied by Premalata Shastri and her husband, Diwakar Shastri, to facilitate investigation. The team visited a shop dealing in gold ornaments in the town where the Swamiji had conducted Ramakatha programme two years back. In the rape case filed in Girinagar Bengaluru police station, Premalata Shastri had allegedly accused the Swamiji of raping her during her stay here for the above programme. The question-answer session, verification, visits, inspection etc went on for about three hours.
When the managing partner of the shop sought copy of the statement made by him, the team advised him to seek the same under right to information act, it is said. The team left at 1 pm without issuing any statements to the media.
The CID team also visited branch of the Math at Mani Peraje on Wednesday, and conducted inquest. The officials refused to provide any information. The team, accompanied by complainants, which reached the spot at around 2.30 pm in two vehicles, took measurements of different rooms, noted down details of the premises, and left by 5 pm.
During the visit, president of the Math Seva Samiti, Harakare Narayana Bhat, secretary, Bangaradka Janardhan Bhat, and several others were present.
The team posed questions about the room where the Swamiji stayed, spot where puja was conducted, venue of Ramakatha programme etc. The managing partner of the firm was questioned, and his replies were recorded. Some sources said that some of the allegations made by Premalata were denied by the concerned as he found them to be untrue.