The Bengaluru police Wednesday arrested yoga guru M Niranjana Murthy for allegedly sexually abusing a girl when she was a minor and having intercourse along with her later by promising her medals.
The police booked Murthy, founder and director of Sunshine The Yoga Zone in R R Nagar, West Bengaluru underneath sections 69 (sexual activity by using deceitful means) and 75(2) (sexual harassment) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Part 12 (sexual harassment of a kid) of the Prevention of Kids from Sexual Offences (POCSO) act.
Murthu’s arrest got here after a 19-year-old girl filed a grievance towards him on August 30, alleging that he began sexually harassing her when she was 17 years outdated.
In accordance with the grievance, the lady had recognized Murthy since 2019 by way of his position as secretary-general of the Karnataka Yogasana Sports activities Affiliation (KYSA), by way of which she participated in yoga competitions from 2021.
As per the FIR, the primary alleged sexual abuse occurred throughout a 2023 journey to Thailand for a contest, prompting her to stop aggressive yoga. She claimed that she joined Murthy’s yoga centre in 2024, and he continued to sexually harass her.
As per the grievance, Murthy allegedly exploited his place of authority, promising her medals and placements in trade for sexual favours. She claimed that he sexually assaulted her on the institute in August this 12 months adopted by one other tried assault the identical month, once more involving guarantees of state-level placement alternatives.
Murthy has a PhD in Yoga and captained the nationwide group 12 occasions, in accordance with the web site of his institute. His accolades embrace a Life Achievement Award from the Karnataka authorities, it says.