Prayagraj (UP): A special POCSO court here on Saturday ordered the Jhunsi Police Station SHO to register an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati to investigate allegations of sexual abuse of boys.
Last week, the court of Special Judge (POCSO Act) Vinod Kumar Chaurasia reserved its decision on an application filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj and others under Section 173(4) of the BNS after examining the evidence and recording the statements of the victimised ‘batooks’, the boys, as they are called at the ashram, Vidya Math.
The petitioner had filed the application seeking direction for an FIR against Avimukteshwaranand under sections 69, 74, 75, 76, 79, and 109 (all related to sexual assault) of the BNS, as well as sections 3/5/9 and 17 of the POCSO Act.
Ashutosh Brahmachari had filed a complaint in a special POCSO Court on February 8, alleging that the Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya has sexually abused children in his ashram, according to reports. The court heard the matter on February 13, in which the statements of two minor children were recorded.
During the hearing, Brahmachari submitted a purported CD as evidence of sexual abuse inside the ashram and alleged that at least 20 affected children had approached him, underscoring a pattern of exploitation hidden behind religious facades.
However, Swami Avimukteshwaranand denied the allegations, claiming that “some people” are targeting him for speaking against the government and raising his voice for the protection of the cows. He stated that evidence has already been submitted in court and asserted that the truth must prevail.
Meanwhile, Ashutosh Brahmachari hailed the verdict as divine justice, vowing to lead a foot march from Prayagraj to Vidyamath Varanasi to expose the truth to the masses.
The development follows ongoing controversy involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Last month, the seer alleged that he was stopped from taking a ceremonial dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, prompting him to stage an 11-day sit-in protest.
