A massive controversy has erupted in Dharwad district following the leak of a highly objectionable video involving a local religious leader. The video, which has gone viral on social media, features Saraswati Swamiji of the Shivananda Mutt in Kavalageri village, Dharwad taluk.
The footage, which reportedly dates back several months, shows the Swamiji in an uncompromising position within the Mutt premises. In the video, the seer is seen naked while a woman massages him and assists him during a bath. The emergence of the clip has sparked outrage among villagers and devotees, leading to questions regarding potential sexual exploitation.
The Blackmail and Extortion Plot
As the details emerged, a deeper criminal conspiracy came to light. It is alleged that a gang of five local youths surreptitiously filmed the Swamiji’s private moments within the Mutt.
According to reports:
- The Demand: The gang initially demanded ₹20 lakh from the Swamiji to keep the video private.
- The Deal: After negotiations, the deal was reportedly settled for ₹10 lakh.
- The Payment: The Swamiji allegedly paid ₹7 lakh to the group to have the footage deleted.
- The Leak: When the remaining ₹3 lakh was not paid, the gang reportedly leaked the video to the public as an act of retaliation.
Legal Action and Public Backlash
The residents of Kavalageri village have expressed deep disgust and have strongly condemned the Swamiji's behavior. In response to the viral video and the subsequent harassment, the Swamiji has turned to the law.
He has filed a private complaint in court against the five individuals involved in the filming and extortion. Furthermore, preparations are underway to register an official complaint at the Dharwad Rural Police Station against the gang for blackmailing and circulating the private video.
The police are expected to investigate both the authenticity of the video and the extortion charges leveled against the youths.
