Cops allowed to subject Nithya to medical test

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Ramanagara, V Pashupathy, on Wednesday permitted the police to subject self-styled godman Nithyananda to a medical examination and voice sample tests as sought by the CID in connection with a sex scandal case of 2010.

The CID had sought permission after he refused to undergo the tests even after being issued eight notices. The court also directed Nithyananda to co-operate with the investigation.

Nithyananda is facing a CID probe into allegations of rape and criminal intimidation, after some TV channels telecast footage of the self-styled godman in a compromising position with an actress.

Out on bail after his arrest in 2010, he had courted fresh trouble on June 8, when police booked him and his followers for allegedly assaulting a mediaperson during a press
conference at his ashram in Bidadi.

The press meet was held in the backdrop of a US-based woman alleging that Nithyananda had sexually abused her for five years, triggering protests by Kannada groups.

Nithyananda was arrested on June 13, after he appeared before a court to surrender in the assault case. On June 14, he was slapped with a fresh case of disturbing peace, leading to his arrest for the second time.

He was granted bail by the deputy commissioner (also the district magistrate) on June 15.