Uppinangady Astrologer Arrested, Released on Bail Following Harassment Allegations
Uppinangady: Sheshagiri Bhat, an astrologer practicing in Tekkara village, Belthangady taluk, has been arrested and subsequently released on bail following accusations of harassment and coercion leveled against him by a local woman and her family. The Uppinangady police acted on a formal complaint filed by the family, which led to Bhat’s apprehension and subsequent appearance before the court.
According to the complaint, the family initially sought Bhat’s astrological expertise to examine the woman’s horoscope. Bhat, a native of Sirsi, was reportedly working at a local temple while practicing astrology. Subsequent to the horoscope examination, Bhat allegedly contacted the family, asserting the necessity of specific rituals to rectify perceived astrological defects. During this period, he purportedly began pressuring the woman to marry him, a proposition that both she and her family vehemently rejected.
Despite the family’s repeated refusals, Bhat allegedly persisted in his attempts to coerce the woman into marriage, engaging in a pattern of harassment. The family further alleges that Bhat’s actions escalated to include the arson of their cattle shed and continued acts of intimidation.
The Uppinangady police initially issued a warning to Bhat after the family lodged their initial complaint. However, the family alleges that Bhat disregarded the warning and continued his behavior, culminating in an incident where he allegedly visited their residence late at night and secretly performed occult rituals. This incident was reportedly captured by the family’s CCTV cameras and documented in the official police complaint.
Following the presentation of this evidence, the Uppinangady police registered a formal case against Sheshagiri Bhat, leading to his arrest and subsequent appearance in court. Bhat was subsequently granted bail. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
