Where is Swamy Nithyananda?

Nithyananda faces prospect of arrest

12 Jun 2012, 0833 hrs IST, AGENCIES

Controversial self-styled godman Nithyananda faced a search warrant for his arrest after the government bearing the heat of public outrage decided to act against him over his activities including alleged sexual exploitation of his disciples. Nithyananda, 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 Nithyananda 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 yesterday 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 Nithyananda'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. Nithyananda 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. Nithyananda, was arrested and later released on bail. Amid the developments, District in-charge Minister C P Yogeshwar visited the ashram area today, SP Anupam Agarwal said. Meanwhile, protests against Nithyananda were held in several places across the state. In the city, journalists staged a protest demanding action against those involved in the alleged assault of a TV reporter, shouting slogans against Nithyananda. The agitators, who burnt an effigy of Nithyananda, also demanded a thorough probe into the various sexual assault cases that have been filed against him so far. Similar protests by pro-Kannada organisations were held in Davanagere, Mysore and Bellary. In Bellary, agitators burnt an effigy of Nithyananda and submitted a memorandum to District Commissioner Amlan Biswas. Agarwal said police were investigating into the altercation and appropriate action would be taken against those found guilty. He said the whereabouts of Nithyananda was not known yet. The SP said Yogeshwar had directed him to submit a detailed report on the June 7 incident to Deputy Commissioner Sriram Reddy. Facing the heat, Nithyananda in a message to his followers said he was not on the run and 'touring places.' "I heard about the problems caused in the Bidadi ashram by the anti-social elements, but thanks to the timely intervention of the Bidadi and Ramangara police, all matters are under control," he said. Nithyananda said none can stop them from doing "good spiritual and social work" and all his charitable work, including 'Annadaanam' (free meals) would continue. Protests against the self-styled godman were held in Mysore and Davangere also.  Source: Times Now (http://www.timesnow.tv/Nithyananda-faces-prospect-of-arrest/articleshow/4404065.cms)