Swami Avimukteshwaranand Approaches Allahabad High Court
Prayagraj: Amid serious allegations of sexual abuse, Hindu religious leader Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Tuesday approached the Allahabad High Court seeking anticipatory bail. He has been accused of allegedly sexually assaulting two individuals, including a minor. Following the filing of an FIR in the case, he is preparing to file an anticipatory bail petition in the court to avoid arrest.
According to sources, a notice in this regard has been sent to the public prosecutor's office before filing the petition.
The case has been registered at the Jhunsi Police Station in Prayagraj. The complaint names Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati along with his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari.
According to the FIR, complainant Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj and two other individuals allege that they were sexually abused during gurukul and religious events over the past year. The complaint also states that one of the victims is a minor.
The police registered the case under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The action was reportedly taken following an order by the Special Judge (POCSO) of the Prayagraj District Court on Saturday. The court, while hearing a petition filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari and others, directed the police to register a case.
The complaint also mentions two to three unidentified individuals, whose roles are being investigated.
The FIR alleges that the accused, claiming to be a religious guru, kept the victims under their influence and sexually assaulted them on several occasions over the past year. The complaint also mentions a recent religious event where the victims were allegedly abused.
Meanwhile, Swami Avimukteshwarananda has termed the allegations a conspiracy. Speaking to the media at Vidya Math in Varanasi, he said that some lawyers have offered to help him, but he is unaware of any legal steps taken on his behalf.
He also claimed that a conspiracy is being hatched against him and that some administrative officials may be involved.
Police officials say the matter is sensitive and the investigation is ongoing. Further legal action will be taken based on the allegations made in the complaint and the available evidence. The next step will be decided after the court hears the anticipatory bail plea.
