Representatives of the self-declared nation "Kailasa," founded by controversial godman Nithyananda, describe it as the world's first independent nation for Hindus.

At least 20 people associated with Kailasa were reportedly arrested last week in connection with the land-grabbing charges.

Pedro Guasico, a leader of one of the indigenous groups called the Baure, says that their contact with ‘Kailasa’ representatives began in 2024 after they offered help with forest fires.

As many as 20 representatives of the 'country' were arrested. Self-styled godman Nithyananda fled India in 2019, leaving behind a sprawling religious empire, after being accused of child abduction ...

The guru known as Swami Nithyananda after appearing at his bail hearing near Bengaluru, India, in 2012. A fugitive holy man, he has claimed miracle powers.Credit...Manjunath Kiran/Agence France ...