Nityananda addresses public through VCD

CHENNAI: “I have not committed any crime,” Swami Nithyananda claimed on Sunday, in his first public response to the video CD showing him in a compromising position with an actress.

Addressing his devotees in a five-minute VCD, copies of which were distributed to the media by his lawyer here, the Swami alleged that calumnies and rumours were being spread against him and the ‘Gnanapeetam’.

“While I am receiving email, phone calls and letters from devotees and friends, expressing their support and affection, I can see that they are worried and concerned,” he said.

Beginning his speech with an incantation, the swami - who was in his trademark ochre robe and turban - claimed that neither he nor the ‘Gnanapeetam’ had committed any crime.

Nityananda said he and his associates were in the process of gathering all information about the charges and rumours, the motive and mindset that were operating them and the actual facts.

Appealing to his devotees to remain calm and patient, he said he would soon come out with explanation and answers to all their queries. He asked them not to draw any hasty conclusions from the rumours and reiterated that he would open his heart to them in a few days.

The swami’s short speech, rendered in Tamil, did not make any mention of the sex video CD, aired by a Tamil channel, which caused a furore in the state and neighbouring Karnataka and triggered violent protests.