'Won’t protest even if police arrest us,' says Swami Avimukteshwaranand amid controversy

Varanasi: Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati has clarified his stand amid serious allegations of sexual exploitation. After the FIR was registered on the orders of the POCSO court in the case of alleged sexual assault of two minors during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, he said that if the police come to arrest him, he will not oppose it and will give full cooperation in the investigation. 

What is the reaction of Swami Avimukteshwaranand? 

Swamy termed these allegations as completely baseless and conspiratorial. He claimed that the accuser Ashutosh Brahmachari is a history-sheeter and many cases are already registered against him. Swamy told the media that there were CCTV cameras installed everywhere in his camp and everything happened under the supervision of the administration, so no wrongdoing was possible. He raised the question that if there is any evidence or CD, then why is it being hidden. This statement has come at a time when the police is intensifying the investigation and there is talk of possible arrest. Swamy appealed to the public to focus on facts and avoid rumors.

What is the background of the POCSO court order?

Prayagraj's special POCSO court on February 21 directed to register an FIR against Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari. The court delivered the verdict on a petition filed by complainant Ashutosh Brahmachari, who alleged sexual exploitation of two minors (14 and 17 years old) in the name of 'Guru Seva'. The court based the statements and affidavits of the victims. Sections 3, 4(2), 6, 16, 17, 51 of the POCSO Act and Section 351(3) of the Indian Judicial Code were included in the FIR. A case was registered in Jhunsi police station in the night itself and investigation started. Police have made a plan for forensic investigation of electronic evidence.

Who is the Ashutosh Brahmachari?

Ashutosh Brahmachari, whose original name is said to be Ashutosh Pandey, is a disciple of Swami Rambhadracharya. He is a history-sheeter in Kandhla police station of Shamli district and has several cases registered against him. Swami Avimukteshwaranand described him as a person who threatened and filed false cases. Ashutosh made allegations by giving an affidavit in the court and now he has talked about taking out a march on foot. Swami termed it a conspiracy to defame Sanatan institutions.

What arguments are being given in Swamy's defense?

Swami Avimukteshwarananda termed the allegations as fake and said that everything is recorded by CCTV in his camp. He claimed that the boys were from Hardoi school and their mark sheets were in the court, which did not show any connection with their Gurukul. They are promising cooperation in the investigation and said that the truth will come out soon. His supporters consider it an attack on religious institutions. Some saints have expressed opposition to this.

What are the political and social reactions?

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav targeted the government and said that it is an attempt to defame Sanatan institutions. He accused him of digging up 20 year old cases. At the same time, the police has intensified the investigation and is preparing to send a team to Varanasi. Swamy demanded investigation from police of other states as he said that there is no trust in UP Police. The public's attention is now on the court process and the results of the investigation.