Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru acquitted in POCSO case by Chitradurga Court

Mangalore Today News Network

Chitradurga, Nov 27, 2025: The Chitradurga District and Sessions Court acquitted Murugha Mutt seer Shivamurthy Murugha Sharana and two others in a POCSO case on Wednesday (November 26, 2025).

Judge Gangadharappa Hadapad delivered the verdict, giving complete relief to Shivamurthy Murugha Sharana, Rashmi, and Paramashivaiah.

Final arguments were heard on November 18, before the order was reserved.

Senior advocate C.V. Nagesh argued on behalf of the seer, while the prosecution presented its case through the public prosecutor.

This POCSO case against the Murugha Mutt seer was registered in August 2022, after two minor girls from an institution associated with the mutt alleged sexual harassment and exploitation.

The case triggered state-wide attention, leading to multiple rounds of investigation, arrest of the seer, and parallel allegations involving individuals connected to the mutt’s administration.

During the course of the trial, statements were recorded from the complainants, witnesses, and officials involved in the investigation.

The defence consistently argued that the allegations were fabricated and motivated by internal disputes within the mutt. The prosecution, however, maintained that the charges were serious and supported by the victims’ accounts.