Uttar Pradesh POCSO court orders registration of FIR against Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati
Alleged sexual exploitation of minors by a religious figure is a serious crime.
A special court in Prayagraj ordered the Uttar Pradesh police to register an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his aide, Mukundanand Giri, for allegedly sexually exploiting two minor children at his ashram. The order came after a plea by Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj who alleged the abuse occurred during the Magh Mela in January 2026. The court noted that both victims reported the abuse to police, including written complaints, but no FIR was registered until now. The case has drawn political and religious controversy as Swami Saraswati, a Shankaracharya from Uttarakhand, has been accused of assaulting his followers during the Magh Mela and faces criticism from the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
27 FEB 2026
— The Hindu
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, facing sexual abuse allegations under the POCSO Act, offered to undergo a narco analysis test to prove his innocence.
— The Hindu
The Allahabad High Court granted interim protection from arrest to Swami Avimukteshwaranand and Swami Mukundanand Giri, accused of sexual assault.
2 MAR 2026
— The Hindu
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, Shankaracharya, announced a "Gau Pratistha Dharmayuddh" march from Varanasi to Lucknow following an ultimatum demanding stronger cow protection measures.
To respect publishing rights, SatyaDheesh does not host full copyrighted news copy. You can read the complete article on the publisher's platform: