A special POCSO court in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh has directed police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Swami Mukundanand Giri over allegations of sexual exploitation, reported The Times of India.
The order was issued on Saturday by Additional District Judge (POCSO Act) Vinod Kumar Chaurasia, who instructed authorities to begin a detailed investigation into the matter. Following the court's directive, the case will be registered at Jhunsi Police Station, the TOI report informed.
The application seeking action was filed under Section 173(4) by Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, requesting strict legal proceedings, according to news agency ANI.
Also Read | Red Fort on radar again? Delhi Police intensifies vigil amid Mahashivratri celebrations
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati reacts to order
Reacting to the order, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda was quoted as saying by news agency PTI, "Yes, it is appropriate. Only when a case is registered will the subsequent process of investigation and recording of testimony be completed. Only then will the truth of the false case filed against us come before everyone, and those responsible for doing this can be punished. Therefore, it is necessary.
We would only say that the court should proceed with this at a faster pace without taking too much time, as many people are watching this matter. Testimony should be recorded and a decision taken as soon as possible. What is wrong will remain wrong, and the false case that has been filed will ultimately be proven false."
Background of recent controversies
The court's direction comes amid ongoing controversies involving the seer. Last month, Swami Avimukteshwaranand claimed he was prevented from taking a ritual dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, after which he staged an 11-day sit-in protest.
Speaking to reporters in Varanasi, he was quoted as saying by TOI, "When I sat there for 11 days, no official asked me to take a dip. Now it is too late. I will go to the Magh Mela next year and take a respectful bath."
Also Read | Delhi on terror alert over suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba's plot to target temple near Red Fort: Report
The seer also asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to stop beef exports from the state and to declare the cow as "Rajya Mata". He described this as a sign of the government's commitment as a "Hindu sympathiser". The controversy dates back to January 18, when the seer, travelling in a palanquin towards the Sangam for Mauni Amavasya, was allegedly asked to walk due to the presence of too many people. Later, his supporters were said to have broken the barricade on a pontoon bridge.
Administrative and political reactions
Subsequent to the incident, the seer held a protest outside the Shankaracharya camp, demanding an apology and a proper escort for the ritual bath. The Mela administration issued a notice questioning his title of Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, citing a civil appeal that is still pending in the Supreme Court.
The episode prompted wider reactions. Prashant Kumar Singh, deputy commissioner in the Uttar Pradesh GST department, resigned citing moral reasons, while Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri also stepped down. The Congress party later announced a campaign alleging insult to the seer and urged the state governor to take suo motu cognisance.
