Prayagraj: In a dramatic turn of events, an FIR has been registered against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, following allegations of sexual exploitation.
The case, lodged at Jhusi Police Station, stems from a court directive by Prayagraj’s POCSO Court after an application by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj.
The FIR invokes serious charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 351(2) and multiple POCSO sections, including 3, 4(2), 5, 6, 16, and 17, targeting the swami, his disciple, and unnamed others for purported misconduct at the swami’s camp during the Magh Mela on Triveni Marg. Police swiftly inspected the site, preparing a detailed map in Ashutosh’s presence to ensure a transparent probe.
Countering the claims, Swami Avimukteshwaranand labelled Ashutosh a “criminal with a record”, accusing him of multiple cases. Ashutosh hit back, challenging, “Tell me what current Swami Avimukteshwaranand can bring from any police station or court that proves I am a criminal.” He dismissed a circulated list of 21 cases against him as “fake”, revealing he had filed an FIR over it. Clarifying his role, Ashutosh said, “I have not described myself as a victim; I am just an informant in this matter,” while condemning the accused’s actions as “wrong”.
The investigation continues, with authorities emphasising a fair, scientific approach amid the escalating feud. This case has caused significant ripples in religious circles, prompting enquiries about accountability within spiritual institutions.