UP court orders FIR in POCSO case against Swami Avimukteshwaranand; seer calls charges “fabricated”

A Special POCSO court in Prayagraj has directed the registration of an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and some of his disciples in connection with alleged sexual assault and harassment of minor children during the Magh Mela 2025–26. Acting on an application under Section 173(4), the court ordered the Station House Officer of Jhunsi police station to register the case forthwith. The FIR has been lodged under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The complaint was filed by Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, who alleged that two disciples, including a minor, were sexually exploited between January 13, 2025 and February 15, 2026. The complaint states that the alleged incidents took place during religious camps organised around the 2025 Kumbh Mela and the 2026 Magh Mela in Prayagraj, both inside the camp premises and in a vehicle parked outside.

Court proceedings included the videography of statements from two minor complainants on February 13, after which the court took cognisance of the police report and reserved its order. Following the direction, police registered the FIR and said further investigation is underway. Officials stated that statements of all concerned parties will be recorded and further action will depend on evidence collected during the probe.

Responding to the allegations, Swami Avimukteshwaranand dismissed the case as “fabricated” and described it as part of a larger conspiracy to damage his reputation. He said his legal team had already informed the court of this position and demanded a high-level, impartial investigation. The seer also alleged that the complainant had a history of filing false cases and questioned the credibility of the accusations.

Disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari also rejected the charges as baseless and expressed confidence that the investigation would reveal the truth. Meanwhile, Ayodhya priest Mahant Raju Das called for a fair and impartial inquiry, stating that if the allegations are proven, strict action must follow. The case has triggered sharp reactions within religious circles as the investigation progresses.