Police quiz Mallikarjun Mutya for second day in POCSO Act case

Head of the Mahal Roja Mutt in Shahapur taluk of Yadgir district Mallikarjun Mutya, who is accused in a POCSO Act case, was questioned by the police.

He appeared before the Shahapur Police on Wednesday night for an enquiry in connection with the case.

Circle Inspector of Shahapur Rural Police Station Sharanagouda Nyamannavar asked the accused several questions pertaining to the crime.

The investigating officer asked the accused to appear before him on Thursday too for enquiry. As per instructions, the accused again appeared for further enquiry on Thursday. The police seized the mobile phone that was used by the accused, as part of investigation.

“The enquiry is on. Police took the accused to the local government hospital and carried out a medical examination,” Superintendent of Police Prutwik Shankar told The Hindu.

Meanwhile, sources said that devotees of the mutt and followers of the accused gathered outside the hospital and the police station as well when the accused was brought there for medical examination and for enquiry.

The petition challenging the FIR registered against the accused before the High Court of Karnataka in Kalaburagi was withdrawn.

Another petition filed by the accused seeking anticipatory bail before the District and Sessions Court in Yadgir will come up for hearing on Friday.

The Mutya was booked under the POCSO Act after a video showing him behaving in an inappropriate manner with a minor girl went viral on social media platforms.