Swami Avimukteshwaranand offers narco analysis, terms POCSO charges ‘fabricated’

Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Friday said he was ready to undergo a narco analysis test if it helped establish the truth in the sexual abuse case registered against him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Speaking to reporters in Varanasi, he said, “If the truth can be ascertained through a narco test, it should certainly be done. Whatever methods are available to uncover the truth should be adopted.”

The seer’s anticipatory bail plea is scheduled to be heard by the Allahabad High Court later in the day. He stated that his legal team was present in court and would place all evidence before it. His disciple, Sanjay Pandey, said Avimukteshwaranand continued with his routine religious activities and daily prayers, even as a large number of mediapersons gathered at the math.

Rejecting the allegations, the seer termed the case “false” and claimed it was an attempt to defame him. He questioned the relevance of medical examination reports cited in connection with the case, arguing that such reports conducted after several days could not conclusively establish involvement. “Falsehood does not last long. As people come to know about this concocted case, the truth will become clear,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the circumstances of the complainants, alleging that the children were staying with the complainant and questioning why they were not placed in a juvenile home. Referring to media reports about their stay in Hardoi, he claimed they were not being allowed to meet journalists. The seer maintained that neither he nor his gurukul had any connection with the complainants and said he approached the high court to protect the dignity of the institution he represents.