Leelavathi, a resident of Malethodi in Perlampady stated in a complaint submitted to the Superintendent of Police Dr A Subramanyeshwar Rao that exorcist Krishna Maniyani had kidnapped her elder daughter Satyavathi (20) three years ago and another daughter Shashikala (18) in March, 2010. “I have no idea for what purpose he is keeping my daughters as captives. He had informed me that my elder daughter was married to a person in Gujarath. I suspect that he might have sold my daughter. When I pleaded with him to send back my younger daughter Shashikala, Maniyani assured that she will be sent back after the Sankranti festival. However, she has not reached home so far,” Leelavathi complained.

Speaking to reporters, Leelavathi said, “Maniyani, who has four wives, had married his sister Vedavathi using black magic 20 years ago. People in the village do not dare to file complaint against him because of fear as he is practising black magic. I was also not daring to file complaint against him as he had threatened me of dire consequences.”  Speaking to Deccan Herald, SP A S Rao said that a police team has been sent to investigate into the complaint. Action will be taken based on the report, he added.