The anticipatory bail plea of Mallikarjun Mutya, associated with the Mahal Roza Math, has been rejected by the Yadgir District Principal and Special Sessions Court. The order was passed on March 9 by Judge Maralusiddaradhya, who dismissed the plea after hearing arguments from both sides.
Mutya had earlier approached the Kalaburagi High Court seeking dismissal of the POCSO case filed against him. However, he later withdrew that petition and submitted an anticipatory bail application before the Yadgir District Court. The prosecution strongly opposed the plea, leading to the court’s decision to deny bail.
Background of the Case
The case against Mallikarjun Mutya stems from a viral video that allegedly showed him behaving inappropriately with a minor girl. The video sparked widespread outrage across Karnataka, prompting the State Child Protection Commission to intervene. Following the commission’s directive, the Yadgir Deputy Commissioner instructed police to take action.
On February 25, a case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Goggi Police Station in Shahapur taluk. Soon after the case was filed, Mutya went missing for several days before eventually appearing before the police for questioning.
Investigation Progress
The investigation, led by Shahapur CPI Sharangouda Namannavar, has intensified. Authorities have already seized four mobile phones belonging to Mutya, which are believed to contain crucial digital evidence. Investigators are examining call records, text messages, and videos to establish the extent of his involvement.
The police believe that the seized devices may provide significant leads in the case. Technical analysis of the data is currently underway to verify the allegations and strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Public Reaction and Protests
The incident has triggered strong reactions across the state. While many have condemned Mutya’s alleged actions, his followers and members of the Koli community have staged protests demanding that the case be withdrawn. They argue that the charges are politically motivated and have called for his immediate release.
Despite these protests, the court’s rejection of his bail plea marks a serious setback for Mutya. Legal experts suggest that his next move will likely be to approach the High Court once again in hopes of securing relief.
With the bail plea rejected, Mallikarjun Mutya faces mounting legal challenges as the investigation continues. The case highlights the growing importance of digital evidence in modern criminal proceedings and underscores the vigilance of child protection authorities in responding to such incidents. As the matter progresses, all eyes will be on the High Court to see whether Mutya can secure bail or whether the case will proceed to trial.
