Bagalkot, 22 Sept  

After Basava Jayabrutunjaya swami of Panchamsali mutt at Kudalasangama was expelled from the seer's post on Sunday evening, the mutt's branch at Bagalkot was locked on Monday morning.

All India Lingayat Panchamsali Trust president Vijaayanand Kashaappanar, at a news conference on Monday, said the swamy was expelled after he was found violating the bylaws of the trust and other norms.

According to norms, the seer of the Mutt should not have any property. However, Swamy had purchased houses at Belagavi, Hubballi and Bengaluru despite holding the post. He also has other assets, Kashaappanar said, promising that the records would be released soon.

He alleged that Swamy was also acting to favour a political party which was trying to end the Panchamsali's movement on getting reservations. The movement also sought for the community to be listed as Hindu in the religion section and Lingayat in the caste column.