Daijiworld Media Network - Kolar (SP)

Kolar, Feb 28: A Swamiji who came to the village by promising to improve the temple, develop an Ashram and to convert the village into a holy place, forgot these promises and has eloped with a 19-year-old girl from the village. This incident happened at Holali village in Kolar district.

Dattatrey Avadhoot Swamiji (45) had arrived at Holali village two months back. He had told the villagers that he had come from Kashi and wanted to open a cow shelter and Vedic study school at Lord Bheemalingeshwara Swamy temple there. But on Monday, he escaped with a girl from the village.

The Swamiji was a native of Muddebihal in Vijayapura district. It is said that he was in contact with a girl since a month. He has informed the relatives of the girl that the two had got married and requested them not to file any complaint.

The girl used to visit the temple often. It is said that the Swamiji collected her mobile phone number, and succeeded in winning her over by offering various lures. The girl's relatives said that the Swamiji had also visited the residence of the girl for 'Pada Puja' organized there in his honour.

The girl has taken away her Adhar card, marks card, and ration card. But she has not taken with her cash or ornaments.

Chalapati, a local, says that a play had been staged on Monday night in the village, and the Swamiji was found missing since Tuesday morning. When the Swamiji's brother was questioned, he said that the Swamiji was away in connection with some monetary transactions and that he would return soon. Chalapati said no one expected the Swamiji to go away with a village girl.

District superintendent of police Kartik Reddy, said that a complaint about the Swamiji taking away a girl has been received, and that a team has been formed to find the couple.