Thu May 29 13:54:51 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Belagavi taluk administration in Karnataka, India, demolished the Sri Ram Mandir Mutt in Mekhali village after determining it was illegally built on encroached government land. This action follows the recent arrest of the Mutt’s seer, Hathayogi Lokeshwar Swami, on charges of raping a minor. The Mutt, built in 2017 by Lokesh Shamanna Bhangi, was located on eight acres of government grazing land. Police also found weapons during a raid of the Mutt.

**News Article:**

**Belagavi Authorities Demolish Encroached Sri Ram Mandir Mutt, Seer Arrested for Rape**

**Belagavi, Karnataka – May 29, 2025** – The Sri Ram Mandir Mutt, located in Mekhali village near Chikkodi in Belagavi district, was demolished by the Belagavi taluk administration on Thursday. Authorities confirmed that the structure was illegally built on eight acres of encroached government grazing land.

The demolition follows the recent arrest of the Mutt’s seer, Hathayogi Lokeshwar Swami, who is facing charges of raping a minor girl. Police had been investigating the seer, previously known as Lokesh Shamanna Bhangi, after receiving a tip-off from villagers.

“Following complaints from local farmers regarding the encroachment of survey number 225, the Assistant Commissioner ordered a full inquiry,” stated a spokesperson for the taluk administration. “Our investigation confirmed the illegal construction on government land, leading to the demolition order.”

Lokesh Shamanna Bhangi, who took on the name Hathayogi Lokeshwar Swami, established the Mutt in Mekhali village in 2017. During a raid of the premises, police also discovered various weapons, including machetes.

The land has been taken back into the possession of the government. The investigation into Hathayogi Lokeshwar Swami is ongoing.

Read More