Chikkamagaluru police arrest person for sexually abusing NRI

Chikkamagaluru police on Sunday arrested a man running a wellness retreat centre near Chikkamagaluru on suspicion of sexually abusing an expatriate resident of India.

Based on the NRI’s complaint, the Chikkamagaluru Rural Police arrested Pradeep Ullal, who runs programmes to promote “spiritual, environmental and social awareness”.

Deputy Commissioner of Police G. Krishnamurthy said The Hindu that the plaintiff came in contact with the accused through WhatsApp and later attended programs he conducted at his center in 2021-22 when the alleged assault took place. “We have arrested the accused and further investigations are ongoing,” he added.

In her complaint, the woman stated that one of her friends introduced her to Pradeep in 2020. She attended an online yoga class conducted by him. Later, he invited her to his centre in Chikkamagaluru taluk. She visited the place several times in 2021 and 2022. The accused sexually abused her on several occasions and described his act as “divine love”.

The complainant also said that she had given valuable gifts worth over Rs 20 lakh to the accused. She said that the accused had sexually abused and cheated her.

The police have registered the case under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code.