New Delhi: A special POCSO court in Prayagraj on Saturday directed the police to register an FIR on charges of sexual exploitation against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Swami Mukundanand Giri.ADJ (POCSO Act) Vinod Kumar Chaurasia ordered registration of an FIR and a detailed investigation into the matter. The case will be registered at the Zhunxi Police Station in accordance with the court’s instructions. According to news agency ANI, Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj filed an application under Section 173(4) seeking strict action. The Prophet responded to the court order by saying: “Yes, it is appropriate. Only after the case is filed can the subsequent investigation and evidence collection process be completed. Only then will the truth about the false cases against us come to light and those responsible be punished. Therefore, this is necessary. All we can say is that the court should speed up the trial and not take too much time because a lot of people are paying attention to this matter. Testimonies should be recorded and a decision made as soon as possible. Wrong is always wrong, and false cases that have been filed will eventually be proven to be false. “The move comes in the backdrop of controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Last month, the seer claimed that he was barred from performing ritual baths in the Sangam during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, leading him to stage an 11-day sit-in protest. “No official asked me to take a bath when I was sitting there for 11 days. It is too late now. I will go to the Magh Mela next year and take a bath respectfully,” he told reporters in Varanasi.“The seer also urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to stop beef exports from the state and name the cow “Rajya Mata”, saying it was a manifestation of the government’s commitment as a “Hindu sympathizer”.The controversy dates back to January 18, when Swami Avimukteshwaranand was traveling to Sangam in a palanquin for Mauni Amavasya and officials asked him to get off the vehicle and walk on foot due to crowds. Mehra’s government claimed that his supporters broke through barricades on the pontoon, causing problems with crowd management.Following the incident, the prophet protested outside the Shankaracharya camp, demanding an apology and a dignified escort for ritual ablution. The government also issued a notification challenging his use of the title Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, citing a civil appeal pending in the Supreme Court.The row sparked political and administrative reactions. Prashant Kumar Singh, deputy commissioner of the Uttar Pradesh GST department, resigned citing ethical reasons, as did Bareilly Municipal Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, highlighting concerns over alleged insult to the Prophet. The Congress party announced a campaign against the insult, demanding that Somotu be recognized by the governor.
