Nityananda faces prospect of arrest

Nityananda, already facing criminal cases including rape on complaints from some former disciples last year, is reportedly absconding from his ashram at Bidadi in Ramanagara district near Bangalore.

With several protests on and calls for action against Nityananda after a former US-based woman disciple narrated story of her alleged sexual abuse on a Kannada TV channel, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda today held a high-level meeting with top police officials and said he would be arrested in two days.

The meeting attended by DGP Lalrokhuma Pachau and other senior officials, also discussed the clash that took place between the media and his followers at his ashram last week, that has added to his troubles.

Gowda said he has asked the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police to secure custody of Nityananda's Dhyanapeetham premises and collect evidence about its activities and seal the ashram.

The government would hold discussions with the law department to seek cancellation of bail granted by the Karnataka High Court to the self-styled godman in connection with a case of rape and criminal intimidation.

Nityananda is facing criminal charges, including rape, after a slew of complaints were filed against him in 2010 after some local TV channels telecast purported videos of the self-styled godman in a compromising position with an actress. Nityananda, was arrested and later released on bail. (More)