Thiruvananthapuram: A 23-year-old girl on Friday chopped off the genital of a 54-year-old Swami, after allegedly being subjected to sexual harassment for the past five years.


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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the step taken by the girl as "courageous...no doubt about it".


Swami Ganeshananda, also known as or Hari Swami, is a member of the Panmana Ashram in Kollam.


He was brought to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College hospital at around 12.40 am on Friday, with his genital severed almost 90 percent, a hospital statement said.


A team of medical professionals conducted a plastic surgery on the Swami, and is now out of danger, the statement said.


According to the law student, the Swami used to visit her home frequently to conduct religious ceremonies. The girl was under duress from Class 12, she said.


When he tried to abuse her last night, she protested and chopped off his private organ with a knife, the girl said in her complaint.


A senior police official told news agency PTI that a case has been registered against the man under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO) and IPC 376 (punishment for rape).


No case has been registered against the woman, he said.


The police declined to divulge details, saying the investigation is on. 


Prameela Devi, a member of the Kerala State Women`s Commission, said she was proud of the girl for doing this.


Such an act by anyone especially when it comes under the guise of a religious tag, irrespective of the religion, is in no way acceptable, as such people should be role models to all, Devi said.


(With Agency inputs)