Given the sensitive and high-profile nature of the case, officials are proceeding with caution
NEW DELHI — Police in Uttar Pradesh have yet to question Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in connection with the child sexual abuse issue, several days after a special POCSO court in Prayagraj directed the police to register an FIR against him and his disciple Swami Mukundanand Giri in connection with allegations of sexual exploitation.
Reports reaching here on Wednesday said police teams have been camping in Kashi for the past three days, but have not yet reached his ashram.
According to reports, investigators are still collecting evidence related to the Shankaracharya. Given the sensitive and high-profile nature of the case, officials are proceeding with caution. Police are expected to question the Shankaracharya and his disciple only after completing their preliminary investigation and gathering sufficient material.
‘Hinduism is in Danger’
Speaking to the media again on Wednesday, the Shankaracharya said Hinduism is under threat. He stated that merely wearing religious attire and repeatedly calling oneself Hindu does not make a person a true follower.
He alleged that certain individuals who are not genuine Hindus are presenting themselves as such, and warned that such actions pose a threat to the religion.
The Shankaracharya also questioned the investigation process, stating that for the past one to one-and-a-half months, claims have been made that other students were also sexually exploited. He asked why action had been taken against only two individuals if others were also affected, and suggested that the selective action indicates a possible conspiracy. He added that the truth would emerge when authorities decide to present the full details.
The controversy has taken a political twist with the Congress extending its support to the Shankaracharya. The party has announced demonstrations in all 75 districts of the state in solidarity with him.
Background
A dispute reportedly arose between the Shankaracharya and the administration on Mauni Amavasya (January 18) during the Prayagraj Magh Mela. Eight days later, on January 24, Ashutosh Maharaj, a disciple of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, submitted a complaint to the police commissioner, alleging incidents of child sexual abuse during Magh Mela-2026 and Mahakumbh-2025.
On February 8, a petition was filed in the Special POCSO Court, alleging inaction by the police. Subsequently, two children were produced before the court on February 13, and their statements were formally recorded on February 21.
Following court directions, an FIR was registered the same day at Jhunsi Police Station. The FIR named the Shankaracharya, his disciple Mukundanand, and two to three unidentified individuals as accused.
On February 24, the Shankaracharya accused Prayagraj Additional Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma of conspiring against him. He also filed an anticipatory bail petition before the Allahabad High Court.
