Karnataka - Bangalore   

Petitioner cross-examined in case against Pejawar Math swamiji

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The State Government on Monday cross-examined Srinidhi, who had filed a habeas corpus petition in the Karnataka High Court seeking production of K. S. Venkatesh and Rukmini, who he said were picked up by the city police and were beaten up when they complained against Sri Visvesha Thirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.

Mr. Srinidhi had claimed that G.T. Nayak, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chamarajpet sub-division, had assaulted Prof. Venkatesh and Ms. Rukmini. He had levelled several other allegations and sought payment of compensation for wrongful and illegal confinement by the police.

He said even he was assaulted near Raj Bhavan when he had gone to meet Governor T.N. Chaturvedi and apprise him of the facts of the case.

The State had denied the allegations and in turn accused Prof. Srinidhi of having cheated several people of money, including the Pejawar Seer. The High Court, during the hearing of the petition, had ordered the Registrar (Vigilance), High Court, to inquire into the allegations and submit a report.

The State had refuted the allegations that both Prof. Venkatesh and Ms. Rukmini were illegally picked up by the police.

During cross examination of Srinidhi on Monday, the State Public Prosecutor said that the First Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM), Bangalore, before whom the complaint was filed, had directed the K.G. Nagar police to investigate Prof. Venkatesh's complaint that he was detained and assaulted after his friend had failed to repay a loan of Rs. 12 lakh he (friend) had taken from the swamiji.

He contented that Prof. Venkatesh had cheated people to the tune of Rs. 90 lakh and the cases were pending before police stations in Bangalore.

The inquiry proceedings were adjourned to Tuesday.

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