Fact Check: Viral Video Shows Policemen Touching Godman’s Feet, Not A Congress MLA

New Delhi Vishvas News: A video has gone viral on social media, showing several policemen allegedly touching a man’s feet and receiving money from him. The post claims that the man is a Congress MLA from Karnataka, with policemen taking his blessings as he doles out small amounts of cash.

Vishvas News investigated the viral claim and found it to be false. The person in the video is not a Congress MLA but Siddanakolla Swamiji, a well-known spiritual leader.

What is the viral post?

On March 27, 2025, Facebook user ‘Manmohan Jain’ (Archive link) posted the viral video with the caption, “This is Karnataka state. Just look at how this Congress MLA has influenced the police—imagine how honestly these officers will serve the public. What will the situation be like for Hindus in Karnataka? You can figure that out for yourselves. If you continue voting for Congress, corruption will never end in this country, and your situation will never improve. Jai Shree Ram! Remember, if you divide, you will be destroyed; if you stay united, you will be safe.”.

Investigation

We conducted a reverse image search on the screenshots of this clip using Google Lens to verify the claim. This led us to a news report on TV9 Kannada’s website, dated March 14, 2025, which states: “A video went viral showing policemen accepting money while bowing before Siddanakolla Swamiji . This has sparked a lot of debate, with people questioning whether it is appropriate for officers in uniform to bow to the Swamiji and accept money. In response, Bagalkot SP Amarnath Reddy took action, transferring six constables involved in the incident..”

Taking clues from here, we conducted a keyword search and found many reports on this incident. According to these reports, six policemen in Karnataka’s Badami district were accused of bowing at the feet of the godman in uniform and taking money from him. And after people complained, the Bagalkot Superintendent of Police ordered them transferred to different police stations.

To further verify the claim, we contacted KS Nirupama, Digital Media Head, Asianet News Kannada, who confirmed that the person in the video is Siddanakolla Swami, not a Congress MLA. She also confirmed that six policemen were transferred in this case.

The Facebook user Manmohan Jain, who shared the video with the fake claim, has over 600 followers.

Conclusion: Vishvas News investigated the claim and found it to be false. The person in the video is godman Siddanakolla Swami, and not a Congress MLA.

Tags

• Congress
• Karnataka
• Karnataka Police