Seven days after allegations that he sexually abused two teenagers in a hostel, a part of his mutt, Shivkumar Sharanaru - the influential spiritual leader in Karnataka - continues to remain free. He alleges there was a conspiracy but what remains shocking is that there has still been no arrest despite serious charges under POCSO. Are political parties in Karnataka soft-peddling on the issue with all sides trying to woo the Lingayat community ahead of polls?