By The Sampadak Express
The Bolivian government has accused representatives of the self-styled nation “Kailasa,” founded by fugitive godman Nithyananda, of land trafficking after they reportedly negotiated 1,000-year leases with indigenous groups for large portions of the Amazon. These agreements have raised alarm among Bolivian authorities, who view them as part of a larger land-grabbing operation.
According to the New York Times, at least 20 individuals associated with Kailasa were arrested last week in connection with the allegations. The Bolivian government moved quickly to nullify these agreements, and the suspects were deported to their respective countries, including India, the United States, Sweden, and China.
Bolivia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the country does not recognize the legitimacy of Kailasa, with a spokesperson stating, “Bolivia does not maintain diplomatic relations with the alleged nation ‘United States of Kailasa.’”
5 Key Facts About Nithyananda, the Fugitive Godman Behind Kailasa
1. Identity and Whereabouts
Nithyananda, born Arunachalam Rajasekaran in Tamil Nadu on January 1, 1978, has been a fugitive since 2019. Indian officials, including those from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated in 2023 that he is believed to be in the United States and does not own an island near Ecuador, contrary to his claims.
2. Self-Styled ‘Supreme Pontiff’
Nithyananda has granted himself the title of “Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism” (SPH), a title not recognized within Hindu tradition. His followers refer to him as “The SPH” to legitimize his self-proclaimed status.
3. Criminal Charges and Allegations
Nithyananda has been on the run since 2019, wanted in India for multiple serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, and kidnapping. In 2010, he was arrested in Himachal Pradesh after a video surfaced showing him in a compromising situation with actress Ranjitha. He faces charges of rape, unnatural sex, criminal intimidation, and conspiracy.
4. Alleged Child Abduction and False Claims
In 2019, an FIR was filed against Nithyananda in Gujarat for allegedly kidnapping and wrongfully confining children to collect donations for his Ahmedabad ashram. At the same time, Nithyananda claimed to have founded the “United States of Kailasa” (USK), falsely stating that it represents “two billion practicing Hindus.”
5. Government’s Stance
The Indian government has distanced itself from Nithyananda and his so-called nation. In 2023, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi emphasized that India has no official connection to Nithyananda or Kailasa. Government sources confirmed that Indian missions worldwide have been instructed to deny any support to his representatives, labeling him as a fraud.
The Bolivian government’s recent actions further highlight the growing international scrutiny surrounding Nithyananda and his controversial claims of establishing a nation. With his followers still active in various countries, his status as a fugitive and the questionable legitimacy of his self-proclaimed “nation” continue to spark global debate.
