Self-styled godman Nithyananda, who was missing from his ashram for five days following allegations of sexual exploitation of women, was yesterday taken into “protective custody” by the cops. The 32-year-old, who is also facing rape charges, came to a trial court in Ramanagaram to surrender after cases were slapped against him and his disciples over a fracas at his ashram last Thursday and Friday.

Ramanagaram district police superintendent Anupam Agarwal said that when Nithyananda sought to surrender, trial court Judge Komala asked him to appear before the court on Thursday. Hence, he was taken into “protective custody” in view of the tense situation in Bidadi, where Nithyananda has an ashram on a 29-acre plot, Agarwal said.