Dismissing reports of his death, a statement was issued on April 1 by representatives of self-styled godman Nithyananda, an absconding fugitive accused of sexual abuse. The statement asserted that Nithyananda is “alive, safe, and active.” It was released by Kailasa, a fictional ‘nation’ founded by Nithyananda after fleeing India.
Substantiating their claim that Nithyananda was alive, the press statement issued attached a live stream link of the fugitive participating in Ugadi celebrations on March 30.
“KAILASA unequivocally condemns this malicious smear campaign to vilify and defame the SPH…” the statement read.
The rumours of his death surfaced after his nephew, Sundereshwar, allegedly claimed that Nithyananda had died.
Nithyananda, who previously operated several ashrams across India, fled the country in 2019 amid allegations of sexual assault, abuse, and child abduction. At the time of his disappearance, Gujarat police were investigating a case involving the kidnapping of a child from his ashram. Soon after, he declared the creation of KAILASA, a self-proclaimed ‘nation’ at an undisclosed location. While its legitimacy has been widely questioned, reports suggest he may be residing on an island off the coast of Ecuador.
The Ministry of Immigration in Bolivia, on Tuesday, March 25, said it has deported 20 members of Kailasa. The country said that the members allegedly attempted to seize land belonging to the indigenous community in Bolivia. “This sect entered Bolivia as tourists, arriving at different times through various entry points. Some individuals had been in Bolivia since November 2024, while the majority entered in January 2025,” Bolivia’s Immigration Director Katherine Calderón said addressing a press conference.
A non-bailable warrant was issued against Nithyananda in 2010 by the Karnataka sessions court. Based on a complaint filed by his former driver Lenin, Nithyananda was arrested and later released on bail. However, in 2020, the bail was cancelled when Lenin filed a petition pointing out that Nithyananda had fled the country. There have been charges of torture and child abuse at the godman’s Gujarat ashram as well. In 2023, TNM reported that Interpol denied that it had issued a Blue Corner notice against Nithyananda. Two letters issued by Interpol’s General Secretariat contradict claims made by Gujarat police that such a notice had been issued by them to collect additional information about Nithyananda's identity, location or activities in relation to alleged crimes.
