Davangere, 17 April

The dispute between Vachanand Swamiji of the Harihar Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Guru Peetha and the Dharmadarshi trust board has intensified, with both sides taking firm positions.

Despite being expelled by the Panchamasali Peetha, the seer has refused to vacate the mutt premises. He alleged that his removal was part of a conspiracy after he raised questions about the trust’s financial dealings. “I will not leave the mutt under any circumstances. I will seek justice through legal means,” he said, adding that he has filed a caveat petition in a Davangere court.

Trustee HS Nagaraj, however, accused the seer of misusing Rs 2 crore donated by industrialist Murugesh Nirani two years ago for personal purposes. He questioned the Swamiji’s interference in financial matters handled by the trust and warned that he should vacate the premises by 23 April or face possible eviction by devotees.

The trust also alleged misconduct involving hostel students and is considering approaching Child Welfare authorities with a formal complaint.