Shivamurthy Murugha Sharana, the head of the Murugha Mutt in Karnataka, has been acquitted in the first of two POCSO cases filed against him. The district court concluded that there was no evidence to support allegations of sexual abuse made by two minor girls from a hostel run by the Mutt.
The case, which first came to light in 2022, had sparked widespread concern and media attention. The girls had accused Sharana and other staff members of repeated sexual exploitation. The allegations shook the community around the Mutt, which is known for its religious and spiritual activities.
During the trial, the defence argued that the accusations were influenced by internal disputes and misunderstandings within the Mutt. The court examined testimonies, evidence, and procedural records over several hearings. On 26 November 2025, the judge delivered a one-line verdict acquitting Sharana and all co-accused hostel and Mutt staff, stating that the prosecution had failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The ruling has brought relief to Sharana and the accused staff, who had maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings. Legal experts say that acquittals in such high-profile POCSO cases are rare, reflecting the court’s thorough scrutiny of the evidence.
However, this verdict pertains only to the first case. A second case against Sharana is still pending in the courts. While the acquittal provides a temporary reprieve for the seer, the broader legal and social scrutiny surrounding the Murugha Mutt continues. The community and the public await further developments as the remaining case moves through the judicial process.
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