BENGALURU, 18 SEPT

A yoga trainer has been arrested in connection with a sexual harassment case involving a minor girl, police said on Thursday.

Niranjana Murthy, who had been running a Yoga centre in Rajarajeshwari Nagar for several years, is accused of sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl who attended the classes.

The complainant stated that she has known Murthy, Secretary of Karnataka Yogasana Sports Association (KYSA), since 2019.

She began participating in yoga competitions in 2021. In 2023, the then 17-year-old travelled to Thailand along with Murthy to participate in a competition. 

"During this trip, Niranjana Murthy allegedly sexually harassed her. After this incident, the complainant stopped participating in yoga competitions," police said.

Later, in 2024, the complainant again joined Sunshine Institute, which was run by Murthy himself.

From 2024 onwards, Murthy allegedly continued to sexually harass her.

She also alleged that in August 2025, Murthy had physical contact with her on the pretext of winning a medal at a national-level yoga competition and arranging a state-level placement.

Based on the complaint filed, a case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.