Mallikarjun Mutya Booked: POCSO Case Registered Against Self-Proclaimed ‘Godman’ in Karnataka’s Yadgir After Distressing Video Goes Viral
Authorities in Karnataka’s Yadgir district have registered a case under the POCSO Act against a local self-styled godman Mallikarjun Mutya following the emergence of a distressing video on social media. The incident, which has sparked significant public outrage, prompted immediate police intervention after the footage went viral on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Yadgir, February 26: A self-proclaimed 'godman' based in Yadgir has been accused of misbehaving with a minor girl after a video of the incident went viral on social media. In response, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has registered a suo motu case on Thursday and filed a formal complaint with the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Yadgir.
The accused, Mallikarjun Mutya, who is in the age group of 25-26, fled his residence and is currently absconding to evade arrest following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR). Mumbai Shocker: Self-Proclaimed Godman Rajaram Yadav Rapes Woman, Molests Her 2 Minor Daughters Since 2020 on Pretext of Curing Her Ailing Husband With Black Magic; Arrested.
Self-Proclaimed ‘Godman’ Mallikarjun Mutya Faces POCSO Case in Yadgir Over Viral Video
The viral footage, which has sparked widespread public outrage, reportedly shows Mallikarjun Mutya misbehaving with a child sitting on his lap. The video further depicts Mallikarjun Mutya violently dragging the child across a table in the presence of others, before forcefully hugging and kissing her.
Based on a complaint filed by the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Shahapur taluk, a case has been registered under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act at the Gogi Police Station. Jalna Shocker: Fed Up of Constant Harassment by Self-Styled Godman, Man Dies by Suicide in Maharashtra; Accused Arrested.
In a letter to the SP, Commission Chairman Shashidhar Kosambe stated: "A video featuring the accused misbehaving with a minor girl is circulating on social media, leading to public demand for immediate action. The Commission has registered a suo motu case based on this footage. Consequently, you are directed to take cognizance of this development, conduct a thorough investigation, and submit a detailed report to the Commission."
Responding to the development, the family of the accused maintained that the godman is innocent. They claim the child is a distant relative and that his actions were merely a display of paternal or brotherly affection.
According to the family, the girl's father originally recorded the video to capture a moment of "showering love" on the child. They allege that after the video was posted as a mobile status, the public misinterpreted the context and "twisted" the narrative to implicate him. The police have taken up further investigation.
It can be recalled that in a joint operation, a city-based NGO and officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in January arrested a 45-year-old self-styled godman in Bengaluru for allegedly selling monitor lizard genitals, claiming to resolve the problems of their clients through magical powers to control their partner.
Women and Child Helpline Numbers:
Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 26, 2026 11:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).