Bangalore, May 7 (DC): The Ramanagara district sessions court has rejected the bail application filed by ‘godman’ Nithyananda on Thursday. The judge C.G. Hunagund dismissed the bail application considering the “magnitude and seriousness of the offence.”

The court heard the objections and also the contention of the defense counsel on May 3. During the objection the prosecution had expressed fear that the accused might influence the witnesses in the case and might also try to destroy evidence if released on bail. The court on Thursday upheld this argument and said that CID sleuths can investigate thoroughly only if the accused remained in judicial custody.

“The court said the allegations being faced by Nithyananda are heinous in nature and CID should be given time to collect evidence and also to locate victims. The court felt that the accused, if released, might influence a victim from approaching the investigating agency,” public prosecutor R.V. Sriram Reddy said.

Meanwhile, the defense counsel has hinted at moving the High Court with an appeal. The petition, requesting to quash the inquiry against the swami, is still pending before the High Court.

A senior advocate termed the extended judicial custody for Nithyananda as an advantage for CID sleuths, who have just the other day said they have located a victim willing to testify against the ‘godman.’ The CID officials maintained that the victim was worried about publicity.

“With this extended judicial custody, the CID sleuths can also question Nithyananda as and when they require. Plus, the Pondicherry police might also come before the court with a body warrant in the next week,” the advocate said.