Mallikarjuna Mutya, the head of the Yamanureshwara Matha in Mahal Roja village, Shahapur taluk, who is reported to have had a case registered against him under the POCSO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences), came to the fore in a video statement. Following the FIR’s filing, Mutya had allegedly been at an undisclosed place and released the video to speak to his followers and discuss his view on the allegations.
The incident grew out of an embarrassing video that appeared on social media showing the self-professed "godman" perceived to engage with a minor girl inappropriately. On Wednesday, the Gogi Police registered the case after the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights took suo motu cognizance of the footage.
“I Am Here, Do Not Panic”: Mutya’s Video Message
In a video released on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Mallikarjuna Mutya advised his followers to stay calm. He alleged that he had not “fled”, but that he had gone away from the Matha to distribute invitations for a mass marriage ceremony planned by the temple.
- On the Accusations: Mutya explained his actions in the video that went viral by saying that the child is like a daughter to him. "Our relationship is like that of a father and daughter. I was only being affectionate. The girl’s family has been our faithful devotees for years,” he said.
- On the Police Investigation: Responding to inquiries that he was running away, Mutya replied, “I am very much in the local area. I heard the police are looking for me. I am prepared to appear before them if called. There is no reason to be afraid."
The Viral Video Controversy
The case was sparked by images of the 25-year-old seer holding a young girl on his lap and engaging with her during a birthday celebration at the Matha. Although Mutya and the girl’s parents who apparently recorded the video for social media likes say that the interaction was purely paternal, the Child Rights Commission said the behavior was “objectionable” and “improper.”
The Shahapur Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) reported the formal complaint after inquiry by the District Child Welfare Committee. Police are now examining whether the video was “misinterpreted” by the public or whether it constitutes a serious violation under the POCSO Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Community Reaction
Heavy police have been deployed to Mahal Roja village in Yadgiri and its surrounding area to prevent any untoward incidents. As some of the devotees back the seer, the social media stream continues to be filled with calls for deep-dive inquiries into the "godman's" behavior.
