Self-styled godman Nithyananda declares ‘Kailaasa’ nation

Kolkata: Even as the police are on a hunt to ban self-styled godman Nithyananda in an alleged case of kidnapping and confinement of children, a website kailaasa.org has surfaced suggesting that he has founded his own country and designed its flag, constitution and emblem.

The website says that the fugitive has declared a ‘Hindu sovereign nation’ and even has a Cabinet, including a Prime Minister for his so-called nation “Kailaasa.”

It has also called for donations for the country and through it, an opportunity to gain citizenship of the “greatest Hindu nation,” according to agency reports.

However, it is not clear where this nation is located. A news report, however, claims that it is a private island, which Nithyananda allegedly bought in Ecuador.

“Kailaasa is a nation without borders created by dispossessed Hindus from around the world who lost the right to practice Hinduism authentically in their own countries,” the website says.

“Though the Kailaasa movement is founded in the United States, and spearheaded by members of the Hindu Adi Shaivite minority community, it is created for, and offers a safe haven to all the world's practicing, aspiring or persecuted Hindus, irrespective of race, gender, sect, caste, or creed, where they can peacefully live and express their spirituality, arts, and culture free from denigration, interference and violence,” it reads. The website also proclaims that it has its own passport and one can apply for citizenship,

Last month, Gujarat cops arrested two of Nithyananda’s associates and also booked the godman under charges of abduction, wrongful confinement, voluntarily causing hurt, intentional insult to provoke breach of peace and criminal intimidation under the Indian Penal Code as well as charges under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act.