In a major development, Karnataka Police on Monday stated that the charges against rape accused, jailed Lingayat seer Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru have been held to stand during the course of investigation.
Superintendent of Police, Chitradurga, K. Parashurama said that along with the prime accused seer, the charges against accused number two, women's hostel warden Rashmi and accused number four Paramashivaiah are also valid.
However, the police are gathering evidence against accused number two, a minor, and accused number five Gangadharaiah, he added.
The SP said that the charge sheet was submitted to the court on Octover 27 by the investigating officer. The statements by the victims in connection with the second case have also been recorded. The parents of the victims had also recorded their statements. The accused seer was taken into police custody and questioned regarding the case, he saidd.
Based on the statements by the victims, the police have recorded statements of other girls. There is an allegation of more than 15 girls abused by the seer. The police had sought more information in this direction from Odanadi NGO founder Stanley, SP Parashurama said.
The police have requested him to share details and assured him of a joint investigation.
On the allegation of rape and murder of a minor girl who resisted abuse in the mutt by the accused seer, the SP said that the victims of first case have stated that one girl was raped and murdered.
The investigations so far have shown that the girl died after falling from the train in Hindupur Railway police station limits in Andhra Pradesh. The case is being closed as an accidental death. The police are also investigating the allegations of use of drugs in the mutt, and are awaiting medical reports, Parashurama said.
The medical tests have proved that the accused seer is capable of committing sexual abuse. The first Pocso and SC/ST Atrocity case was lodged against the seer on August 26. The second case under similar provisions was filed on October 13. Following high drama the accused seer was arrested on September 1.
Meanwhile, as accused seer is refusing to step down as the head of Chitradurga mutt, a delegation had met Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and discussed the appointment of new pontiff. Sources within mutt say that the accused seer is in full control of the mutt and taking decisions.
Mini School Bus mishap leaves driver critically injured, children slightly hurt
In a harrowing incident today, a mini school bus belonging to a private school met with a grave accident in the vicinity of Paschim Dewan Pasha Gram Panchayat.
Rs 1.22 crore power infrastructure destroyed in thunderstorm struck Tripura
A thunderstorm that struck Tripura on Thursday has destroyed power infrastructure worth Rs 1.22 crores, including 166 km of crucial transmission lines, 235 electric poles, and 30 transformers suffering irreparable damage.
Mayor distributes water, fruits to common people
In a thoughtful gesture to combat the scorching summer heat, Ward No. 35 of Agartala Municipal Corporation extended a refreshing hand to the common people.
Youth Congress demands resignation of TSCB MD after fatal bus accident
The delegation representing Pradesh Youth Congress managed to enter the premises of the bank and held discussions with the acting Managing Director, in the absence of the MD.
30 BJP leaders from state to campaign for Lok Sabha in West Bengal
Around 30 leaders, including Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, along with other MLAs and ministers from the state, will campaign for BJP in West Bengal for the Lok Sabha elections.
One more person planted in Raj Bhavan with sinister intent: Bengal Governor
In an audio message released on Friday, the Governor claimed that Raj Bhavan received a confidential report that political forces had planted one more person in the Raj Bhavan with sinister intent.
Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Raebareli
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday filed his nomination papers from the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat. Congress workers and Samajwadi Party workers turned out in full force to welcome Rahul to Raebareli.
'Daro mat, bhaago mat': PM Modi's stinging jibe at 'Shehzada', top Congress leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, hours after he was fielded from Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency, the seat vacated by former Congress President Sonia Gandhi.