Prayagraj: An FIR has been registered in Prayagraj against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari over allegations of sexual abuse involving two individuals, including a minor, during the past year, police officials confirmed.
The case was lodged on Saturday following an order by the Special Judge under the POCSO Act in Prayagraj. The court directed authorities to register a case based on an application submitted by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj and others.
According to officials, the FIR has been filed under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In addition to Avimukteshwaranand and Mukundanand Brahmachari, the complaint names two to three unidentified individuals.
As per the FIR, the complainants include Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, identified as a disciple of Swami Rambhadracharya, and two alleged victims — one of them a minor. The complaint alleges sexual abuse at a gurukul and during religious gatherings, including the Magh Mela.
The complainants have accused the named individuals of exploiting their positions as religious leaders and subjecting the minor and another youth to repeated sexual assault over several months. The FIR further claims the acts were carried out under the pretext of “guru seva” and involved misuse of religious authority.
The petitioners stated that earlier written complaints were submitted to the Jhunsi police and senior officials, but no FIR was registered at the time. They subsequently approached the court, which ordered the registration of the case.
Following the judicial directive, Jhunsi Police Station registered the FIR late Saturday night and initiated an investigation. There was no immediate confirmation regarding any arrests.
Avimukteshwaranand recently drew attention over a dispute with Magh Mela organisers, alleging that he was prevented from taking a ritual bath on Mauni Amavasya.
Responding to the court’s order, he termed the allegations against him as false and asserted that those responsible for any wrongdoing should face punishment. He added that the truth would emerge once formal proceedings begin and urged the court to expedite the matter, stating that many people were closely watching the case.
