Prayagraj, February 21 – A special court for crimes against children in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has ordered the registration of an FIR and an investigation into a complaint alleging that Swami Avimukteshwaranand was involved in sexually abusing children, a lawyer said on Saturday.
Special POCSO Judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasia directed the head of the Jhunsi Police Station to register the FIR based on a complaint filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari, a disciple of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya.
Brahmachari had filed an application under Section 173(4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Act.
Section 173(4) of the BNSS Act states that any person aggrieved by a refusal by an officer in charge of a police station to record information can approach a Magistrate.
Brahmachari presented two minors before the Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Court during the in-camera trial.
The Special Court had reserved its order on his application on February 13.
On Saturday, the Special Court, after reviewing a preliminary inquiry report filed by Prayagraj Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar, directed the registration of an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, his disciple Mukundanand, and two others, and ordered further investigation.
Earlier in the week, Swami Avimukteshwaranand was in the news when the Supreme Court declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging police excesses against his disciples during the January 3 to February 15 Magh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Observing that issues relating to law and order fall within the domain of the state government, a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, said that the petitioner was at liberty to approach the competent authorities with a representation and seek appropriate action in accordance with the law.
A controversy erupted during the auspicious Mauni Amavasya bathing festival at the Magh Mela, when Swami Avimukteshwaranand attempted to proceed to the Sangam in a traditional palanquin procession.
The Prayagraj administration stopped the procession, citing safety concerns and enforcement of a "no-vehicle zone" policy due to heavy footfall.
The ensuing scuffle between the Swami's disciples and police personnel led to allegations of manhandling.
In protest, Swami Avimukteshwaranand staged a dharna and reportedly refused food and water, demanding an apology from the administration.
The standoff further escalated after the Magh Mela Authority issued a formal notice questioning his entitlement to use the title 'Shankaracharya'.
