India sensitises missions abroad against Nithyananda

The government has cancelled the passport of rape-accused self-styled godman Nithyananda even as the Ecuadorian government denied that it has granted asylum to him.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said all Indian missions and posts abroad have been asked to communicate to local governments about Nithyananda, wanted in several cases of rape and sexual abuse in India.

Nithyananda reportedly fled India last month in the midst of several investigations pending against him. Few days ago, a website, claimed to be run by Nithyananda, announced that he has set up a Hindu nation called Kailaasa after acquiring an island in South America.

"When we received information about cases pending against him, we cancelled his passport first. Then he applied for a fresh passport which was denied and put on hold because he could not get requisite clearance from police," Kumar said.

In a statement, the Embassy of Ecuador rejected reports that Nithyananda was given asylum by it or has been helped by the Ecuador in purchasing any land or island in South America.

"Ecuador denied the request for international personal protection (refuge) made by Nithyananda before Ecuador and later on, Nithyananda left Ecuador presumably on his way to Haiti," the embassy said.

Kumar said Nithyananda's passport was to expire in 2018, but it was cancelled much before it.

"We have sensitised all our missions and posts that this man is wanted in several cases of crime in India. We have asked the missions and posts to sensitise the local governments that in case he happens to transit or be in the country, they should let us know," Kumar said.

He said the MEA has not yet received any requests from the probe agencies to for his extradition.

There have been reports that Ecuador had provided asylum to him as well as helped him in acquiring the island.

Asked about reports that Nithyananda declaring founding his own country called Kailassa in his website, Kumar said, "Setting up a website is different from setting up a nation."