Community leader flays ‘illegal’ acquisition of Harihara Peetha property

Haveri: Panchamasali community leader and lawyer Somasekhara Kothambari has condemned the alleged illegal acquisition of property belonging to the Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha of Harihara by Somanna Bevinamarada, chairman of the Karnataka Border Area Development Authority and a community leader. He demanded that the property be returned immediately to the Harihara Peetha to uphold dignity and respect.Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Kothambari said recent developments at the Harihara Panchamasali Peetha had deeply disappointed the community. He criticised street protests triggered by misunderstandings, saying such actions were against the community's tradition of discipline, peace, and harmony. He also objected to what he termed baseless allegations made by senior leaders, including Somanna, against the Peetha's trustee, adding that those questioning others' integrity must themselves act with purity.Recalling that former CM Basavaraj Bommai had provided land worth Rs 5 crore for community development, he said it was purchased in the name of Siddalinga Swamiji. After the seer's demise, the land should have been transferred to the monastery trust, but was instead allegedly acquired in the name of Swamilinga, alias Somanna Malleshappa Bevinamarada. The community, he warned, would not forgive this and insisted on the immediate return of the property.Peetha trustee PD Shirur urged protesting leaders to engage with trustees privately, assuring transparency and cooperation.