Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru/Vijayapura
Bengaluru/Vijayapura, Apr 7: A major controversy has erupted around Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji of the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peetha, following a sexual harassment complaint lodged by a Bengaluru-based woman, even as the seer has filed a counter-complaint alleging an extortion attempt and defamation.
The woman has approached the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, accusing the seer of sexual harassment. In her complaint, she alleged, “The Swamiji recorded my private video and has been sexually harassing me to coerce compliance.”
The complaint has gained wider attention after a private video, allegedly linked to the seer, circulated online, intensifying the seriousness of the case.
Jayamruthyunjaya Swamiji, known for leading the Panchamasali community’s 2A reservation movement, responded by filing a complaint at the Vijayapura Rural police station.
He claimed that the woman, along with three others, demanded Rs 3 crore, threatening that if the money was not paid, they would malign his image on media and social media and lodge false rape allegations against him. An FIR has been registered based on this counter-complaint.
In his complaint, the seer explained that around 2–3 years ago, the Bengaluru woman, accompanied by her brother, had met him and introduced herself as a member of the Lingayat community, claiming to support the Panchamasali reservation cause. “She said she runs a foundation for poor and orphaned children and demanded financial aid. I told her I would seek help if donors were willing,” he said.
The seer alleged that when he did not provide the requested funds, the complainant and her associates began harassing him. “They attempted to damage my reputation and blackmail me for money. When I refused, they levelled false accusations,” he added.
Referring to a specific incident, the Swamiji said, “On February 11, while returning from Kaggod village in Vijayapura taluk, my vehicle was stopped. I was threatened for money, and when I refused, they attacked my car window. My staff intervened and prevented any further escalation.”
He also alleged that defamatory content about him was circulated on certain media and social media platforms. “The Bengaluru City Civil Court has granted an injunction against further defamation, but private channels continued to spread false propaganda,” he said.
The seer further claimed that the woman contacted his disciple, Rajkumar, reiterating the Rs 3 crore demand and threatening that failing to pay would result in defamation and false criminal complaints. “Their actions appear aimed at undermining the Panchamasali community’s reservation movement and tarnishing my personal reputation,” he stated.
The Swamiji has requested legal action against the woman and the other three accused – Prithvi Gowda, Yashwant, and M D Veeresh – while the investigation into both the sexual harassment complaint and the counter-complaint is ongoing.
Authorities at Vijayapura Rural police station confirmed that FIRs have been registered for both complaints and that the investigation is continuing, highlighting the sensitive and complex nature of the case.