Prayagraj Court orders FIR against Avimukteshwaranand, allegations of sexual harassment of minor

A special **POCSO court** in Prayagraj, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge/Special POCSO Judge **Vinod Kumar Chaurasia**, on Saturday (February 21, 2026) sentenced **Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati** (also known as Shankaracharya of Jyotirpeeth) and his disciple **Mukundanand Brahmachari** (or Mukundanand Giri/Swami Muktanand Giri) as well as Ordered to file **FIR** against 2-3 unknown people.

The order came following a petition filed by **Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj** (Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar, also known as Ashutosh Pandey in some quotes) and others, including minor victims or their representatives. The court directed **Jhunsi Police Station SHO** to register an FIR under relevant sections of the **Indian Code of Justice (BNS)** — including 69, 74, 75, 76, 79, 109 (related to sexual harassment and criminal conspiracy) — and sections 3, 5, 9, 17 of the **POCSO Act**. The allegations include sexual exploitation/abuse of minors (some reports include 14 and 17 year old boys) under the guise of ‘Guru Seva’ in Ashrams/Gurukuls, which took place last year and recently during **Magh Mela** in Prayagraj.

The Court insisted on a fair, independent, speedy investigation as per POCSO provisions, so as to protect the identity and dignity of the victims. Complainants alleged a “secret tradition” of abuse; The evidence included statements from the victims (‘Batuk’ at Vidya Math Ashram). Swami Avimukteshwarananda, who was recently in the news over the Magh Mela controversy (banning certain rituals and use of the Shankaracharya title), denied the allegations, calling them “fabrications”, and said the truth would emerge after investigation.

While complainant Ashutosh welcomed the verdict as justice for the minor victims, lawyer SK Manas addressed the claims of covert exploitation. The police have to investigate immediately; There was no immediate news of any arrest. The case brings to light serious allegations against a well-known saint amid ongoing spiritual controversies.