Issue 8 | 06 Jan. 2007

Attempt to Murder Case Against Pejawar Seer`

A case of attempt to murder has been registered by the city police against the Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt, Udupi and six others. The action follows a complaint lodged by Venkatesh, a Sanskrit professor at MES College against the seer before the First Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court earlier this week. The complainant alleged that the accused had illegally detained, assaulted and threatened to kill him on an issue of default of loan taken by his friend. Acting on his petition, the court directed the Kempegowda Nagar police to investigate the complaint. The complainant stated that he had approached the court as the Kempegowda Nagar police allegedly refused to register the complaint.

Responding to the charge leveled against him, the Pejawar Swamiji was quoted in a national daily as saying that they were false and he had not held out any threats to the complainant.

According to reports, Professor Venkatesh had helped his friend, Girish to get a loan of Rs 12 lakh from the Pejawar Mutt. The money was procured through a disciple of the Mutt. When Girish failed to repay the dues, the accused had allegedly illegally detained, assaulted and threatened to finish him off.

However, the Swamiji while flatly denying the charge, has countered saying he had given the money with the good intention of helping someone in need. He pointed out that Venkatesh had stated his friend needed the money only for a few hours and promised to return it soon after. Even though the money was part of the funds donated to the Mutt by the public for its social activities, he had agreed to pay the money to Girish at the request of one of his disciples, the Swami said.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chamarajpet Sub-Division, GT Nayak is investigating the case. As per court order, the investigation report has to be filed before it before Feb 23.

Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji is a highly revered figure in Karnataka and is actively involved in many social welfare activities. The Swami is also a senior functionary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and a leading light for the Sangh Parivar.