Udupi: A. Anil Kumar Madhyastha, administrative officer of Balekudru Shrimatha, has rejected allegations that ancient idols belonging to the Matha were stolen and sold to a Bengaluru-based firm, describing the claims as baseless and far from the truth.
The clarification follows a complaint filed at Basaveshwara Nagar Police Station in Bengaluru on November 4, alleging that four individuals, including the head of the Matha and its staff members, were involved in the alleged theft and sale of four ancient idols.
The complaint named Paramapujya Sri Sri Vasudeva Sadashiva Shivaswamigalu, administrator A. Anil Kumar, staff member Jayalakshmi and priest Shreyas. It alleged that the idols had been sold to a Bengaluru-based firm named ‘Prasiddhi Idols’. An FIR has been registered based on the complaint.
However, Madhyastha has denied the allegations and said the claims circulating about the Matha and its functioning are also misleading.
Administrator rejects allegations of idol theft
In his clarification, Madhyastha maintained that the allegations of stealing and selling ancient idols were entirely false.
He said the complaint had been filed by individuals claiming to be former disciples of the Matha. The allegations concern four idols said to belong to the religious institution.
Following the registration of the FIR, the Swamiji travelled to Bengaluru to take part in the necessary legal proceedings. Madhyastha said the visit was connected with the legal process and should not be interpreted as an attempt to evade the matter.
He also stated that the Swamiji had not committed any misconduct or impropriety, rejecting the accusations made in the complaint.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the registration of an FIR does not establish the guilt of those named in the complaint.
Matha denies reports of closure and staff leaving
Madhyastha also addressed reports circulating among devotees that the Swamiji had fled the Matha, that staff members had left the premises and that the institution had been locked following the registration of the FIR.
He said there was no truth in these claims and urged devotees not to believe unverified information.
According to the administrator, the Matha continues to function and arrangements have been made to ensure that its regular religious activities are not disrupted.
He said priests had been appointed to perform the daily worship rituals and that all religious observances were continuing without interruption.
The clarification was issued amid concerns among devotees following news of the complaint and the subsequent FIR. Reports about the alleged closure of the Matha and the absence of its staff had raised questions about the continuation of worship and other religious activities.
Administrator says idols are safe
Madhyastha further stated that all idols belonging to the Matha were safe with the Swamiji.
His statement directly counters the allegation that four ancient idols had been removed from the institution and sold to the Bengaluru-based firm.
The administrator did not provide further details about the legal proceedings or the evidence relating to the idols in his clarification. He said the Swamiji would explain the facts to devotees after meeting legal experts and completing the necessary procedures.
The police investigation into the complaint is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations and the status of the idols.
Devotees urged not to reach hasty conclusions
Madhyastha appealed to devotees and members of the public to cooperate and avoid arriving at conclusions before all the facts are established.
He said the Swamiji would address devotees after consulting legal experts and completing the required legal formalities. Until then, he requested people not to act on speculation or circulate unverified claims.
The administrator’s clarification comes as the allegations have drawn attention to the Matha and its administration. While the complaint has led to the registration of an FIR, the Matha’s administrative officer has strongly disputed its contents.
The matter now awaits further developments in the police investigation and the legal proceedings in Bengaluru. The claims made in the complaint and the administrator’s denial will need to be examined through the appropriate legal process.