The Hindu : Karnataka News : Followers shocked at seer's arrest

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 13, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Followers shocked at seer's arrest

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, NOV. 12. The followers of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Math in Bangalore expressed shock and disbelief at the arrest of the Kanchi Sankaracharya, Sri Jayendra Saraswati, in connection with a murder case, by the Tamil Nadu police.

Expressing concern over the swamiji's arrest in the early hours, Jayaram, a follower, said: "He certainly needs to be treated in a better manner. He is neither an extremist nor is he Veerappan. Such occurrences may be common among politicians but a `guru' has to be treated with honour."

They wanted him to be accommodated in a place (preferably a math) so that he could perform his daily rituals.

"It has been evident that Swami Jayendra Saraswathi has been closely associated with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, and those who are unhappy about this are working towards maligning his image," felt Prof. Jayaram. Calling him neutral and harmless, L. Chandrasekar, an engineer, felt it was unfair to accuse a personality who had been into "manava seva" for long.

Another devotee, Aswathnarayan from Hosahalli, said that the Math was engulfed in sadness when news arrived about the seer's arrest.

"Everyone here felt sad at the turn of events. He was somebody who was always trying to unite people, Hindus and Muslims. There was no need for the police to arrest him in this fashion," he said.

Mr. Aswathnarayan said the Swamiji's would have voluntarily approached the police if they wanted any information. "He would not have run away. It is very unfortunate that he was arrested in the manner it happened particularly when he was not keeping good health."

Harish Sharma from Srirangapatna said that devotees in the Bangalore Math were praying to God."Only he can ascertain the truth behind the episode," he said.

Another devotee, who preferred anonymity, said it was a tremendous shock to all. Incidentally, the seer visited the Math on November 6 and 7 on the request of devotees. Senior political leaders, including the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, met him at the Math.

As a precautionary measure, the Government had arranged a police picket at the Math on 5th Main Malleswaram, to prevent any untoward incidents.

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