Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 18: The RR Nagar police have arrested a yoga trainer on charges of sexually assaulting a minor girl.

The accused, identified as Niranjan Murthy, had been running a yoga centre in Rajarajeshwari Nagar for several years. He is accused of sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl who attended his yoga classes.

Based on the girl’s complaint, a case was registered under the POCSO Act. During investigation, it was confirmed that rape had taken place.

According to the complaint, the victim had known Niranjan Murthy since 2019 when he served as secretary of the Karnataka Yogaasana Sports Association (KYSA). She began participating in yoga competitions in 2021 and in 2023 travelled with him to Thailand for a competition.

At that time, the girl was 17 years old. It was during this trip, she alleged, that Murthy sexually assaulted her. Following the incident, she stopped taking part in yoga competitions. In 2024, she rejoined the Sunshine Institute, also run by Murthy, to participate in competitions again.

The complaint further alleged that from 2024 onwards, Murthy continued to sexually harass her. In August 2025, at the Sunshine Institute, he allegedly lured her with promises of a national-level medal and a job opportunity, and established physical contact with her. On August 22, under the pretext of offering state-level employment, he allegedly attempted to assault her again, police said.

Following her complaint, police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. After the case was filed, the accused went into hiding. However, after continuous search operations, police finally arrested Murthy.