The CID filed a chargesheet against Ramachandrapura Mutt pontiff Raghaveshwara Bharathi Swami alleging that he assaulted and raped a 48-year-old Ramakatha singer between June 2011 and June 26, 2014.
The New Indian Express reports that it has a copy of the chargesheet which says that Bharathi had allegedly raped the victim every time he called her to his room on some pretext. She was also taken to religious functions with him to numerous places across India. Bharathi’s original name is Harish Sharma, according to the report.
According to the report Bharathi coerced the singer into complying by telling her that she would be cursed by God Rama if she didn’t. The victim was also reportedly scared that her husband would leave her if he knew what had happened and that her two daughters would be harmed. Bharathi had told her that he was part of the ‘Bhoga Mardhanala’ tradition which meant he could have sex unlike other swamis.
The CID has filed the chargesheet in which the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has confirmed that the victim was raped. The chargesheet against Bharathi has been filed under Sections 376 (2)(f) and 376 (2)(n) and 508 of the IPC. Bharathi will reportedly have to undergo three more medical tests and additional chargesheets will be filed.
