Niranjana Murthy, a well-known yoga trainer and secretary of the Karnataka Yogasana Sports Association (KYSA), was arrested in Bengaluru following allegations of sexually harassing a minor girl. The incidents reportedly began in 2023 during a yoga competition trip to Thailand when the victim was 17 years old. According to the complainant, Murthy used his position of authority within the yoga community to exploit her under the pretext of training and competition placements.
After the initial harassment during the Thailand trip, the victim stopped participating in competitions but later resumed training at Murthy’s Sunshine Yoga Institute in Rajarajeshwari Nagar. The harassment allegedly continued there, with Murthy promising medals and placements in national and state-level yoga events in exchange for sexual favours.
The victim lodged a complaint in August 2025, prompting police to register a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Murthy initially went into hiding after the complaint but was tracked down and arrested following a sustained police effort. Investigations are ongoing, and the victim has been provided counseling.
Details from Police and Complainant
Police reports state that the victim has known Murthy since 2019 and began participating in yoga competitions in 2021. During the 2023 Thailand trip, Murthy allegedly sexually harassed her, which led the victim to pause her participation in competitions temporarily.
However, in 2024, the victim resumed her training at the Sunshine Yoga Institute, where the alleged harassment persisted into 2025. On August 22, 2025, it is reported that Murthy attempted physical contact again, falsely promising a state-level competition placement.
Police confirmed registering the FIR promptly after the complaint and have assured strict legal action following due process. The victim’s family and community have voiced shock and concern over the betrayal of trust by a prominent trainer.
Murthy’s Professional Background
Niranjana Murthy is a well-established yoga practitioner and instructor with over a decade of experience. He is credited with significant contributions to Karnataka’s yoga sports scene, captaining the national yoga team multiple times and receiving state-level awards such as the Karnataka government’s Life Achievement Award.
His dual role as a trainer and the KYSA secretary placed him in a position of influence within the yoga community. The case has drawn attention not only because of the allegations but also due to the position of authority Murthy held, which allegedly enabled him to abuse young athletes under his mentorship.
Many activists point to this incident as representative of wider issues in ensuring the safety and dignity of minors in competitive sports environments.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities minors face in spaces where power dynamics are skewed heavily in favour of adults, especially trainers or mentors. The Logical Indian emphasises the urgent need for transparent safeguarding mechanisms, regular monitoring, and education within sports and cultural institutions to prevent abuse.
Survivors must be supported with empathy, while communities and authorities work collectively to uphold trust and safety. Such incidents undermine the transformative potential of sports and wellness practices.
