Melukote: Melukote Police have registered an FIR against Prof. Bhashyam Swamiji and his brothers Sheshadri and Srinivasan. The case has been registered following a complaint by Melukote Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple head priest Narayana Bhatta, who has accused the trio for trespassing into the temple, abusing and threatening and snatching away his mobile phone.

Bhashyam Swamiji, who was appointed by the Department of Muzarai and Religious Endowment as a substitute priest to conduct puja rituals at Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple in the absence of the regular priest Narayana Bhatta, had complained to Mandya Deputy Commissioner C. Manjushree and had said that Narayana Bhatta had pornography apps on his mobile phone.

Later as per the DC’s instructions Bhashyam Swamiji visited Mandya SP with his complaint while the SP asked him to approach the Melukote Police Station to file his complaint. The Police, who received the complaint, have recovered Narayana Bhatta’s mobile.

Meanwhile, Narayana Bhatta also complained against Bhashyam Swamiji and his brothers and the Police have booked them under IPC Sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 384 (extortion) r/w 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention). The case is being investigated by Pandavapura Circle Inspector Deepak.

It may be recalled that Bhashyam Swamiji, based on the Government Order, had visited the temple in Melukote to report to his duty on Dec. 11. But priest Narayana Bhatta did not allow him to offer puja to the deity which had resulted in wordy duel between the two.