POCSO Case Against Self-Proclaimed Godman in Yadgiri

A POCSO case has been registered against self-proclaimed godman Mallikarjuna Mutya in Yadgiri district, triggering widespread outrage. The case was filed at Gogi Police Station in Shahpur taluk following a complaint from officials of the Women and Child Welfare Department. Videos showing the accused behaving inappropriately with a minor girl went viral on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms, drawing sharp criticism. Netizens also questioned the devotees present at the scene for failing to intervene. The Child Protection Commission has sought details from the police regarding the incident.

In the viral clips, the accused is seen grabbing the girl by the throat, pushing her onto a bed, touching her body while dancing, and pinching her nose. Mutya, a resident of Rozamahal, has been projecting himself as a “walking god” and is popularly known among followers as “Appaji.” He claimed he treated the girl like a daughter and was only interacting playfully. Although he said he would cooperate with the investigation, police sources indicate that he has gone absconding from the mutt after the case was filed. Authorities suspect he may have moved from Yadgiri to Hyderabad and possibly to another location in Telangana.