Wellness retreat operator arrested for sexually assaulting NRI in Karnataka

The alleged sexual assault occurred in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka in 2021-22. | Image credit: Illustration by Satheesh Vellinezhi

Chikkamagaluru police have arrested a man who runs a wellness retreat near Chikkamagaluru on suspicion of sexually abusing a Non-Resident of India (NRI).

Based on a complaint from the NRI, Pradeep Ullal was arrested by the Chikkamagaluru Rural Police on September 1. Pradeep Ullal runs programs to promote “spiritual, environmental and social awareness”.

Deputy Commissioner of Police G. Krishnamurthy said The Hindu that the plaintiff came in contact with the accused through WhatsApp and later attended programs he conducted at his center in 2021-22 when the alleged assault took place. “We have arrested the accused and further investigations are ongoing,” he added.