After an FIR was registered against Jyotirmath Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on allegations of child sexual abuse, political and religious circles in Uttar Pradesh have been thrown into turmoil. The case was lodged at Jhunsi police station following directions from a Special POCSO Court. A police team from Prayagraj has reached Varanasi and is preparing to conduct questioning as required. Officials have indicated that further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation.
The matter reached the court after complainant Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj alleged that the police failed to act on his earlier complaint. He had submitted a representation to the Prayagraj Police Commissioner on January 24. Subsequently, a petition was filed before the Special POCSO Court, which ordered the registration of an FIR on the night of February 21.
The FIR names the Swami, his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari, and several unidentified persons. The allegations reportedly pertain to incidents said to have occurred between January 2025 and February 2026. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
On Sunday, police officials accompanied the complainant to the Magh Mela area, where the Shankaracharya had set up a camp. The team inspected the site and mapped entry and exit points. According to police sources, potential evidence and circumstantial details are being examined.
Speaking to the media at his Varanasi ashram, Swami Avimukteshwaranand dismissed the allegations as “fabricated.” “I am not going anywhere. I will respond to whatever the police ask,” he said.
He claimed that the children named in the complaint were never students of his gurukul. “They never studied here. If they never came here, how can the allegations be true?” he said. The Swami added that CCTV cameras are installed in the ashram premises, which, he asserted, would establish the truth.
Questioning the impartiality of the investigation, he said the public does not trust the state police and suggested that the probe should be conducted by an agency from another state. However, he maintained that he would cooperate with the investigation.
The case has also triggered political reactions. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai said the matter must be investigated impartially so that the truth emerges. He added that allegations against prominent religious figures have a wider social impact.
Sources said the Swami’s legal team is considering moving the Allahabad High Court for anticipatory bail or protection from arrest. Discussions with legal experts were reportedly held on Monday.
Police officials stated that the FIR was registered in compliance with the court’s order and that the investigation will proceed in accordance with the law. Further questioning and evidence collection are expected to intensify in the coming days.
