Prayagraj: A special court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has directed the police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in connection with allegations of sexual abuse involving minor boys at the Vidya Math ashram.
The order was issued by Special Judge (POCSO Act) Vinod Kumar Chaurasia after the court examined material placed before it and recorded statements of the alleged victims. The boys are referred to as ‘batooks’ at the ashram.
The complaint was filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Following consideration of the submissions and evidence presented, the court directed the Station House Officer (SHO) of Jhunsi Police Station to register the FIR and initiate an investigation.
According to the court’s direction, the police are required to formally record the case and proceed with further inquiry into the allegations. The judge’s order came after the complainant submitted evidence and the court recorded statements related to the matter.
Ashutosh Brahmachari stated that supporting material had been produced before the court and would also be provided to the police during the investigation process. He further announced plans to organise a “Sanatan Yatra” aimed at drawing attention to the alleged incidents.
The allegations pertain to incidents said to have occurred at the Vidya Math ashram. The court’s directive mandates that the police examine the claims in accordance with the provisions of the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Authorities at Jhunsi Police Station have been instructed to comply with the court’s order and conduct a detailed investigation. Police officials have not yet issued a public statement regarding the next steps in the probe.
The development comes amid ongoing differences between the Shankaracharya and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In recent months, there have been public exchanges, including criticism related to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and other matters.
However, the court’s order specifically concerns the allegations outlined in the complaint and the legal provisions cited under the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation will determine the veracity of the claims and any subsequent legal action.
At this stage, the matter remains under investigation, and the police are expected to proceed in accordance with the court’s directive. Further updates are likely following the registration of the FIR and the progress of the inquiry.
