Self-styled godman booked under POCSO in Karnataka's Yadgir
Yadgir (Karnataka)(PTI): A case under the POCSO Act has been registered against a self-styled godman here after a video purportedly showing him inappropriately touching a seven-year-old girl went viral, sparking outrage, police said on Thursday.
The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights took cognisance of the alleged video and registered a case on its own against the self-styled godman, identified as Mallikarjuna Muthya in Shahpur, they said.
The commission has also written to the Yadgir Superintendent of Police, seeking a probe and submission of a report in the matter, officials added.
The purported video allegedly shows 26-year-old Muthya holding the child in his lap, inappropriately touching and kissing her in the presence of her parents.
Officials noted that the footage, however, appeared to show the child looking uncomfortable.
"Based on a complaint given to us by the Child Development Project Officer yesterday (February 25), we have registered a case under relevant sections of the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act. We have recorded the statements of the girl and her parents, who claimed they did not find his actions inappropriate or felt it was a bad touch," a senior police officer said.
A notice has been issued to Muthya in this regard, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
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Bearys education announces ‘campus connect & talent hunt 2026,' offers up to 100% scholarships
Mangaluru: Bearys Education has announced the launch of its “Campus Connect & Talent Hunt 2026,” scheduled to be held on April 11 at the Bearys Knowledge Campus near Mangalore University in Innoli.
The initiative, aimed at promoting academic excellence and student empowerment, will offer scholarships of up to 100 percent on tuition fees for meritorious candidates.
The programme seeks to identify and support students aspiring to pursue Pre-University Course (PUC), degree, engineering and architecture programmes.
The event is open to students from SSLC (Class 10), PUC (Class 12), Diploma and ITI streams, along with their parents. Organisers said the day-long programme will focus on guidance, engagement and opportunities for students planning their academic future.
A Talent Hunt Examination will be conducted on April 11 at 9.30 am, with eligibility extended to students completing SSLC and PUC in 2026. Based on their performance, candidates will be considered for scholarships of up to 100 per cent.
The event will also feature a career guidance and counselling session led by Ameen-E-Mudassar, CEO of CIGMA. In addition, a technical and science expo showcasing student-led innovations, along with a food festival, will be organised as part of the programme.
Organisers stated that the initiative reflects the institution’s focus on quality education, personality development and integrity, while marking over 120 years of educational service.
Interested participants can register before April 8 by scanning the QR code provided in the official announcement (provided below) or by contacting 89704 96949, 81239 04351, or 99000 66888.
