Self-styled godman Swami Nithyananda moved Karnataka High Court on Tuesday seeking quashing of an FIR against him. The FIR was filed by a Kannada TV channel reporter recently.

Nithyananda moved the high court as noose tightened around him after an arrest warrant was issued against him on charge of attack on media persons. A police team raided Nithyananda’s ashram earlier in the day but could not trace him.

Nithyananda has been absconding since last week after his devotees allegedly beat up media persons for asking uncomfortable questions during a press conference.

The spiritual leader was questioned on several unsavoury incidents reported at his ashram, including a complaint by a US-based woman who has accused Nithyananda of sexually abusing her for five years.

Nithyananda now faces serious criminal charges, including rape, on complaints last year by some of his former disciples. He was earlier arrested and released on bail.

The Karnataka government was also mulling approaching the Karnataka High Court seeking cancellation of Nithyananda’s bail granted by it in connection with an earlier case of rape and criminal intimidation.