Overview
- Second Additional District and Sessions Judge Gangadhara Hadapad acquitted Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru along with co-accused Rashmi and Paramashivaiah, with the detailed order awaited.
- The case originated in August 2022 after two girls, aged 15 and 16, alleged years of sexual abuse, leading to charges under the POCSO Act and sections of the IPC, with SC/ST Atrocities provisions later added in one FIR.
- Police arrested the seer and associates on September 1, 2022, he spent roughly 14 months in custody, secured conditional bail in November 2023, returned to custody in 2024 during evidence recording, and was released on bail in October 2024.
- Court proceedings included final arguments on November 18, 2025, before the Chitradurga court delivered the acquittal on November 26 in the first case transferred from Mysuru to Chitradurga.
- Victims’ advocates from Odanadi said they will study the judgment and consider an appeal, while separate POCSO and related cases involving the seer remain pending.