POCSO case: Murugha mutt seer walks out of jail
Chitradurga (PTI): Shivamurthy Sharana, the pontiff of the Chitradurga Murugharajendra Bruhan mutt who has been in custody since September last year facing charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, was released from the jail here on Thursday.
The High Court of Karnataka granted him bail on November 8. The Second Additional District & Sessions Court in this district headquarters town on Wednesday issued an order directing the district prison authorities to release the Seer, after examining the conditions imposed by the HC and verifying the documents.
But, as the copy of the order did not reach the officials concerned in time, the seer could not be set free on Wednesday, officials said. He will be shifted out of Chitradurga, as per the bail conditions, they said.
According to reports, he is likely to stay at the Math's Davangere branch. The High Court has imposed several conditions for the bail in one of the two POCSO cases against the pontiff.
Shivamurhty will not be allowed to enter Chitradurga district till the completion of the investigation in the cases.
He has been granted bail on a personal bond of Rs two lakh and two sureties for similar amounts, and warned not to tamper with evidence or influence the witnesses.
The High Court has also said that the seer should not misuse the bail and if he breaches any of the conditions, it would automatically stand cancelled.
The High Court on October 13 granted bail to accused number three Paramashivaiah, in the first POCSO case against the pontiff and others.
The complaint against the pontiff and four others was filed by Mysuru-based NGO, 'Odanadi Seva Samsthe', alleging sexual harassment of minor students studying in the math's school and those staying in its hostel.
The Nazarabad police in Mysuru had registered a case under POCSO and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case was transferred to the Chitradurga Rural police station subsequently.
The accused were arrested and have been in judicial custody since then. A second case was registered after two more students filed a complaint.
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Indian Defence forces committed to adapting to changing environment: CDS General Chauhan
Hyderabad (PTI): Asserting that war and warfare is at the cusp of a major revolution, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday said the Indian Defence forces are committed to adapting to changing environment and imbibing reforms to remain ready and relevant.
Addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) of 216 Course held at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal near here, General Chauhan said India's strength rests on robust institutions, democratic stability, and unwavering professionalism of our Armed Forces.
He said the intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindoor continues.
"You (new officers) also join the Air Force at a moment when a new normal has firmly taken shape. An era defined by a high degree of operational preparedness, 24-7, 365 days. The intensity of operations may have ebbed, but Operation Sindhur continues," he said.
He further said the newly trained officers are entering the Indian Air Force during a phase of deep transformation of the Indian Armed Forces.
Integrated structures, joint operations, and national pursuit of Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence are shaping the future of India's military strength, he said.
"Your journey ahead will be accordingly guided by Jai, the first word of Jai Hind, that's victory. 'J' stands for jointness, fighting as one nation, one force. 'A' stands for Atmanirbhar Bharat, trusted platforms and systems made not just for India but for the world. And finally, 'I' for innovation, daring to think ahead and to be ahead of the curve," he explained.
General Chauhan further said battles in the older domains will always remain contested, often brutal. But in the new domains, they will be smart, swift, and shaped by intellect, innovation, and initiative. The force that masters new frontiers is more likely to prevail in future conflicts.
