POCSO FIR Against Jyotirmath Shankaracharya: Avimukteshwaranand Seeks Pre-Arrest Bail

The sexual harassment case involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, the Jyotirmath Shankaracharya, has moved to the Allahabad High Court, with the religious leader filing a pre-arrest bail application after an FIR was registered against him under the POCSO Act.

Court sources said the anticipatory bail plea was filed through advocates Rajarshi Gupta, Sudhanshu Kumar and Shree Prakash. The matter is expected to be listed for hearing in the coming days.

FIR after special court order

The case stems from a complaint filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari under Section 173(4), alleging sexual misconduct. Acting on the complaint, Additional District Judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasia of the POCSO and Rape Special Court directed the Jhunsi police in Prayagraj to register a case and initiate an investigation.

Following the order, police registered an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, his disciple Mukundanand Giri, and two to three unidentified persons. The case has been filed under Section 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, including Sections 3, 4(2), 5, 6, 16 and 17.

Police officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and statements are being recorded.

Allegation of pressure adds new dimension

As the probe continues, a separate allegation has emerged suggesting attempts to influence potential complainants. Ramakant Dixit, a resident of Shahjahanpur, claimed that unknown individuals approached his family and tried to persuade them to lodge a complaint against the Jyotirmath Shankaracharya.

According to Dixit, three men visited him and asked him to speak on the phone with Ashutosh Pandey, who has already filed a complaint in the matter. Dixit alleged that the visitors suggested making accusations against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, a claim that introduces a new layer to the controversy.

"I was told that Swamiji needs to be 'fixed' and that allegations should be made. I refused. I have met Shankaracharyaji and have never made any allegations against him," Dixit said.

Case enters crucial phase

With the FIR registered, investigations underway and the pre-arrest bail plea pending before the Allahabad High Court, the case against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has entered a critical stage. The High Court's decision on anticipatory bail is expected to play a key role in determining the next steps in the high-profile matter.