Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 22: Self-styled godman Nithyananda, a rape accused and fugitive, believed to be residing thousands of kilometres away on a small island off the coast of Equador, has launched 'Reserve Bank of Kailasa' along with his followers on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

After failing to appear for over 50 court hearings, Nityananda fled the country and is said to be residing in Kailasa, a nation named by him since November last year, of which he is also the self appointed 'prime minister'.

The exact location of Kailasa is still unknown, however, police sources have said that it is located somewhere off the coast of Equador.

Meanwhile, Equador claimed that none of their islands were bought by the fugitive. "I am not a Hindu reformer, I am a revivor," Nithyananda stated in his latest video.

Kailasa, as stated in its official website, is said to be founded by a group of dispossessed people who had lost their right to practice Hinduism authentically in their respective countries. Further, the website states that it does not seek any new territory but rather 'diplomatic recognition as the legitimate representative of the ideology of enlightened humanity', and describes Kailasa as a stateless nation.

Reserve Bank of Kailasa launch

A video was launched three days back in which Nithyananda announced the launch of his reserve bank. "I have a great announcement. On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi (August 22), with the grace of Ganapati, we are going to reveal the complete details of the Reserve Bank of Kailasa and the currency of Kailasa. It is all ready, I am just waiting for the auspicious day," he said.

Nithyananda claimed to have prepared a 300 page economic policy for his nation and its reserve bank which he says would be structured in lines of the Vatican Bank. He mentioned that the policy would deal with internal currency exchange and external world currency exchange. He further claimed to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with another nation that would host the reserve bank at Kailasa. However, he refused to name the nation claiming the bank to be legally and legitimately established.

Although establishing a nation with one announcement after another may sound bizzare, it is believed to be true and everything one wants to know about the self proclaimed godman's claims could be found in his website which states the nation of Kailasa dedicated to restoration, preservation and propagation of authentic Hindu culture and civilization after centuries of oppression and subjugation.

The self declared godman is accused of many crimes, including rape and believed to have escaped the country somewhere in November last year. The Karnataka high court had cancelled a bail granted to him in connection with rape dating back to 2010. The rape case in which Nityananda is a prime accused is still pending before the third additional district session court in Ramanagara in Karnataka. He is charged under Sections 376(rape), 377 (unnatural sex), and 114 (criminal abetment) among many other charges of the Indian Penal Code.

His ashram is located in Bidadi in Karnataka while two of his disciples are also accused and booked on charges of kidnapping and children kept in unlawful confinement in an ashram in Ahmedabad.