A religious dispute over authority at the revered Anjanadri Hill in Karnataka's Koppal district escalated into a physical confrontation, leading to the registration of three separate police complaints and multiple arrests. The incident, which unfolded on December 23 and 24, involved two spiritual leaders and has raised questions about procedural fairness.
The Confrontation and Its Immediate Aftermath
The chain of events began around 10 am on December 23. Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji of Hosapete visited Anjanadri Hill in Gangavathi taluk, accompanied by an individual identified as a company director. Following the morning Mangalarathi ritual, the Swamiji's associate made a provocative declaration. He announced that Govindananda Saraswati was the supreme head of the entire Kishkinda region, including Anjanadri Hill, and that all future religious programs must be conducted under his leadership.
This claim was immediately contested by the presiding priest, Vidyadas Baba. A heated argument erupted between the two Swamijis, which quickly spiraled into a physical altercation involving verbal abuses. Police personnel present at the scene intervened to separate the parties and restore calm.
Filing of FIRs and Arrests
The aftermath of the clash saw a flurry of police complaints. Later on December 23, Vidyadas Baba filed an online complaint and personally visited the Gangavathi rural police station at night. He was reportedly asked to return the following afternoon.
However, the situation took a significant turn the next morning. On December 24 at 10 am, Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji visited the police station and lodged a formal complaint. Acting on this, police filed an FIR and escorted him to Anjanadri Hill to conduct a Panchanama (spot inspection). During this visit, Govindananda lodged a second, more serious complaint, alleging that Vidyadas Baba and his supporters attempted to murder him.
In a parallel development, PSI Venkatesh Chavan registered a suo motu FIR, citing interference with police duties. Consequently, five individuals linked to priest Vidyadas Baba were arrested in connection with the incident. In total, three FIRs were registered: two based on Govindananda Saraswati's complaints and one initiated by the police.
Legal Context and Lingering Concerns
This incident is not an isolated event but part of a longer legal struggle. Vidyadas Baba has been engaged in a court battle for the right to worship at Anjanadri Betta since 2019. The hearing of his petition before the Dharwad bench of the Karnataka High Court has concluded, and the order is currently reserved.
The police action has sparked concern among devotees and observers. Vidyadas Baba has pointed out that while complaints from one side led to immediate FIRs and arrests, his own complaint and a separate allegation of caste abuse made by a female employee at Anjanadri Hills against Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji were dismissed. This perceived imbalance in police response has added a layer of controversy to the entire episode, highlighting tensions over control and access to the religious site.
