Uttar Pradesh Congress protest seeks fair inquiry into FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand

The Uttar Pradesh Congress staged statewide protests seeking a fair, transparent inquiry into an FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and into how the complaint was filed. The party said memorandums to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted via district magistrates in all 75 districts, citing Magh Mela events and constitutional religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26.

The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday held protests across the state. The party demanded a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Congress workers also sought scrutiny of those who filed the complaint. The party said it wanted an impartial process to establish facts.

In a statement, the Congress said memorandums to Prime Minister Narendra Modi went via district magistrates. Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi said the district administration received them in all 75 districts. The party said the memorandums raised concerns about police conduct and the later police case.

Uttar Pradesh Congress protest over FIR inquiry

The memorandum alleged police harassed and humiliated Saraswati and disciples during Amavasya. It said police stopped them from taking a ritual bath at the Magh Mela. It also alleged some disciples were manhandled. The memorandum claimed police took them to a police station.

It further claimed police later registered an FIR against Saraswati and Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari. The party said the FIR also named several unidentified persons. The memorandum said the case involved a sexual harassment allegation. It described the case as a conspiracy to damage the seer’s reputation.

Uttar Pradesh Congress cites Constitution in FIR inquiry demand

The party cited Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution in the memorandum. It said these Articles protect religious freedom and internal management rights. It called the shankaracharya post held by Saraswati a top position in Sanatan tradition. The party alleged the entire sequence looked planned and coordinated.

The memorandum asked for scrutiny of the complainants’ background by a retired high court judge. It also asked for strict action if wrongdoing was found. It also sought a fair and transparent probe into allegations against Saraswati. The party said such a probe would help establish the truth.

Uttar Pradesh Congress response as FIR details emerge

On February 21, an FIR was filed in Prayagraj against Saraswati and Mukundanand Brahmachari. It accused them of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor. The FIR alleged the abuse happened over the past year. It also referred to a gurukul and religious congregations, including the Magh Mela.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai met Saraswati in Varanasi. After the meeting, Ajay Rai told reporters the party stood firmly with Saraswati. The Congress said it would keep pressing for an impartial inquiry. It said the demand covered the entire episode.

Days after the case was registered, Saraswati spoke on Monday about possible arrest. "he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the fabricated story would be exposed sooner or later.\" Saraswati later addressed the issue again on Wednesday. The remarks came amid continued political focus on the case.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh. Saraswati said such people level allegations and influence investigations. Saraswati also denied any contact with the two persons in the case. The Congress protests continued as the party repeated its call for transparency.

With inputs from PTI