Nityananda, a self-styled godman accused of rape, is reportedly seeking political asylum in Sri Lanka. The fugitive cleric wrote a letter to Sri Lanka’s President on August 7, citing his deteriorating health, according to Indian media.
In the letter, Nithyananda stated that he required ‘immediate’ medical attention. The letter also mentioned the lack of medical infrastructure in the so-called island founded by the spiritual leader, Srikailasa. He has stated that his country’s medical infrastructure is inadequate.
A senior government official in Sri Lanka confirmed to India Today that Nithyananda was ill.
According to sources, the letter stated that rape suspect Nityanand was seriously ill and in desperate need of treatment.
In August 2022, India Today obtained access to a letter written to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. “Hinduism’s Supreme Priest (SPH) His Holiness Sri Nityananda Paramasivam is in need of immediate care due to a serious medical problem,” wrote Nityaprematma Ananda Swamy, claiming to be the Foreign Minister of the so-called Srikailaasa. Doctors are still unable to diagnose his illness despite using the medical facilities currently available in Kailasa.
The SPH is currently located in the sovereign territory of Srikailaasa, which lacks the necessary medical infrastructure. There is an immediate need.”
According to the letter, Nithyananda was seriously ill and required treatment, so his followers are seeking not only political asylum but also medical assistance from Sri Lanka. The Srikailaasa minister wrote in the letter, “Keeping in mind Nityananda’s health, we request His Excellency to immediately grant political asylum to the SPH, so that he can be airlifted via air ambulance and sent to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.” Furthermore, given that the SPH’s life is under threat from tyrants, we believe that bringing them to Sri Lanka as a Head of State Go is the best way to ensure their safety.”
In addition, the self-proclaimed minister requested that the island nation establish diplomatic relations with his so-called country. Seeking a safe passage for Nityananda, his minister stated that Srikailasa would cover all medical expenses and other expenses. It stated, “Srikailasa will purchase and transport any medical equipment required for SPH treatment, as well as cover all medical expenses incurred in Sri Lanka. In addition, as a token of our appreciation, we have left medical equipment worth millions of dollars in Sri Lanka. Will provide.” Nityananda’s offer to invest in Sri Lanka was also mentioned in the letter.
Nityananda fled India in November 2018 after the Gujarat Police arrested two of his disciples on suspicion of kidnapping. Nithyananda was accused of using children’s faces to raise funds. Nityananda was also charged with rape in Karnataka. Following that, the self-proclaimed godman left the country.
Nithyananda was charged with rape in 2010 following a complaint from his former driver Lenin. He was detained and then released on bail.