Karnataka 'Godman' Kisses 7-Year-Old Girl on Video as Parents Watch, Sparks Massive Outrage

Karnataka: A case has been registered under the POCSO Act against a self-proclaimed godman in Yadgir district of Karnataka. The case is related to a viral video, in which Baba is seen misbehaving with a seven-year-old girl. As soon as the video surfaced, outrage spread on social media and the administration swung into action.

In the video, Baba Mallikarjun Muttava, associated with a monastery in Shahpur, is seen holding the girl in his lap and kissing her. The surprising thing was that the girl's parents were also present there. It is being said that the girl's family is a resident of Solapur, Maharashtra and the video was also recorded and shared by them.

How was the case registered?

Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights took suo motu cognizance of the viral video and sought a report from the police. After this, the district child protection officers recorded the statements of the girl and her parents. The parents said that they did not find anything objectionable in Baba's behavior; they were considering it as a part of blessings.

However, the Child Welfare Committee took the girl's behavior seriously during the video and counseling. The committee said that the girl looked uncomfortable and scared. On this basis, it was recommended to register an FIR.

What are the police saying?

Yadgir Superintendent of Police said that on the instructions of the Commission, a case has been registered under the POCSO Act and the investigation is ongoing. The police have also visited the Math and investigated and the investigation is being conducted keeping all the aspects in mind. The statements of the girl and her family have been recorded.

What next?

This case once again raises serious questions regarding the safety of children. Experts say that in such cases, only the opinion of the parents is not enough, the child's feelings and his spontaneity are most important.

There is anger in the area after the viral video and people are questioning the role of such self-proclaimed religious leaders. At present the investigation is going on and further action will be decided on the basis of the report. The safety and well-being of the child are being given priority.