Lawyers urge Karnataka HC to monitor probe against rape-accused Lingayat seer

A group of advocates has filed a petition seeking 'immediate intervention' of the Karnataka High Court against rape-accused Lingayat seer.

A group of advocates has filed a petition seeking 'immediate intervention' of the Karnataka High Court against Lingayat seer Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru, accused in an alleged sexual assault case involving minors.

In a letter to the Karnataka High Court, the petitioners have sought a probe in the case, alleging that the investigation is "not being carried out in an unbiased, free and fair manner."

The petitioners, in the letter, highlighted that the sexual assault case involves minor victims and said that seer Shivamurthy has not even been summoned by the investigating officer even after being booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso) and termed it "utterly shocking".

The petition noted that the accused seer held a press conference after the FIR was registered in the case.

"He (Seer) alleged that a conspiracy was being plotted against him and he pleads to be innocent. It is further submitted that he being an influential person and having many followers spread across Karnataka, these statements would cause prejudice to the investigation and would mislead the investigation," the letter said.

The letter stated, "There is a need for immediate intervention of the court in monitoring the ongoing probe against the seer "in the interest of Justice, so as to ensure fair and free investigation."

The Karnataka Police on Thursday issued a lookout notice against Lingayat seer Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru.