Koppal: Three FIRs were filed following a clash between two Swamijis at Anjanadri Hill in Gangavathi taluk on Dec 23 and 24, police said. Two FIRs were filed based on a complaint by Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji of Hampi, while a suo motu FIR was registered by PSI Venkatesh Chavan.Five individuals linked to priest Vidyadas Baba have been arrested in connection with the incident. Around 10 am on Dec 23, Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji of Hosapete, accompanied by a person believed to be the director of a firm, went to Anjanadri Hill. After the Mangalarathi, the person accompanying the Swamiji declared: “Govindananda Saraswati is the head of the entire Kishkinda region, including Anjanadri Hill, and all future programmes should be held under his leadership.” When priest Vidyadas Baba objected, an argument broke out between the two Swamijis that soon escalated into a fight with both hurling abuses at each other. Police intervened and pacified both parties. Later in the evening, Vidyadas Baba filed an online complaint and visited Gangavathi rural police station at night, where he was told by an inspector to return to the police station the next afternoon. “However, the filing of an FIR, following the complaint from Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji, who visited the police station at 10 am on Dec 24, raises concerns,” remarks Vidyadas Baba. Following the receipt of Govindananda Swamiji’s complaint, police escorted him to Anjanadri Hill to conduct a Panchanama. During this time, Govindananda lodged another complaint, claiming that backed by his supporters, Vidyadas Baba attempted to murder me. Additionally, PSI Venkatesh initiated a suo motu complaint, claiming interference with police duties. Nevertheless, the dismissal of the complaints filed by Vidyadas Baba and the caste abuse allegation made by a female employee at Anjanadri Hills against Govindananda Saraswati Swamiji has sparked concern among the devotees. Vidyadas Baba has been fighting a legal 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 an order was reserved.
