Niranjana Murthy
Credit: Website/sunshinetheyogazone.com
Bengaluru: The Rajarajeshwari Nagar police have arrested popular yoga guru M Niranjana Murthy, 55, founder of 'Sunshine The Yoga Zone' in west Bengaluru, for sexually assaulting a minor girl.
Murthy has been booked under sections 69 and 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Section 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The police said that the investigation began on August 30 when the survivor, now 19, filed a complaint. She was 17 when the alleged offence occurred. The FIR was registered immediately.
The survivor said she had known Murthy since 2019, when he was secretary-general of the Karnataka Yogasana Sports Association (KYSA). She took part in competitions from 2021.
She alleged Murthy assaulted her in 2023 during a yoga competition in Thailand. She later quit competing.
The FIR also stated that Murthy harassed her again in 2024 after she joined his yoga institute. She alleged he sexually assaulted her in August 2025, promising a medal and placement.
On August 22, Murthy allegedly attempted to assault her again, offering a state-level placement.
“He has been arrested. Further investigation is underway,” a senior police officer said.
The institute’s website describes Murthy as a PhD holder in yoga, 12-time former national team captain, and recipient of state honours, including the Life Achievement Award from the Karnataka government.