Acharya was a member of the Yakshagana mandali of the Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple, that had no choice but to suspend him after receiving the notice. He was categorised as a government employee as the temple falls under the Karnataka government’s endowment department, hence enabling the officials to put him under suspension.

Yakshagana is a traditional Indian theatre form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, mirth and stage techniques and is popular in Karnataka and Kerala. It draws on stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and other epics from both Hindu and Jain traditions.

Acharya wasn’t with the troupe when it performed on Tuesday (3 April) and a representative of the troupe verbally confirmed his suspension to the Returning Officer.