Prayagraj: Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand faces legal trouble as POCSO Court orders FIR in sexual abuse case

Prayagraj (The Uttam Hindu): Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth and a prominent religious leader, has come under legal scrutiny after a Special POCSO Court in Prayagraj ordered the registration of an FIR against him and one of his close disciples over serious allegations of sexual abuse. Following the court’s direction, police are expected to initiate a formal investigation into the matter.

Court acts after recording statements of minors

The court passed the order after carefully examining the statements of two minor complainants. On February 13, their statements were recorded through videography before Special POCSO Judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasia. The court also reviewed the detailed police report and preliminary findings. After considering the material on record, the court directed that a formal FIR be registered at Jhunsi police station against Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple, Swami Mukundanand Giri.

Serious allegations linked to Vidya Math

The petition in the case was filed by Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari under Section 173(4) of the Criminal Procedure Code. In his plea, he alleged that incidents of sexual abuse involving minors had taken place at Vidya Math in Varanasi, associated with the Shankaracharya. He also claimed to have submitted a CD as supporting evidence before the court. The police are expected to examine all aspects of the allegations during the investigation.

Announcement of Sanatan Yatra

After the court ordered the FIR, Ashutosh Brahmachari expressed gratitude to the judiciary and described the decision as a step toward justice. He announced that he would undertake a foot march titled “Sanatan Yatra” from Prayagraj to Vidya Math in Varanasi to bring the matter before the public. He stated that the truth behind the alleged incidents must come to light.