An anticipatory bail plea filed by Mallikarjun Mutya of Mahal Roja Mutt in a POCSO Act case was rejected by the Yadgir Principal District and Sessions Court on Monday.
Public prosecutor Gurulingappa Teli told The Hindu that Chief District and Sessions Judge HJ Marulasiddaradhya rejected the bail application on various grounds.
Mallikarjun Mutya heads the Mahal Roja Mutt in Shahapur taluk of Yadgir district and a case under the POCSO Act was registered after a video of Mutya misbehaving with a minor went viral.
“The court, while rejecting the bail application, took into account the argument that the accused is an influential person and that there are possibilities that he could influence the investigation and tamper with witnesses,” Teli said.
When contacted, Superintendent of Police Prutwik Shankar said that after receiving the court order, he will go through and issue a legal opinion for further action.
The accused appeared before the investigating officer in Shahapur recently after being served with a notice.
Published – March 9, 2026 8:56 PM IST
