FIR Filed Against Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in Prayagraj Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Minors

An FIR has been registered in Prayagraj's Jhunsi police station against Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotish Peeth on serious allegations of sexual exploitation of minor disciples. Following a court order, the police registered a case under the POCSO Act against the Shankaracharya, his disciple Mukundanand, and 2-3 other unidentified individuals.

The special POCSO court in Prayagraj, hearing a petition filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, a disciple of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, ordered the registration of the FIR and an impartial investigation on Saturday.

According to the complainant in the case, Ashutosh Brahmachari, two minor disciples had sought refuge at his camp during the Magh Mela. The minors disclosed that they were unsafe and revealed that the Shankaracharya and his associates had been continuously engaging in misconduct and sexual exploitation against them for the past year.

The victim boys, while giving testimony before the court on camera, stated that they were repeatedly subjected to sexual violence during the Maha Kumbh 2025 and Magh Mela 2026 periods.

As mentioned in the registered FIR, the Shankaracharya's disciples allegedly pressured the minors into sexual acts by telling them, "This is Guru-seva (service to the Guru) and it brings blessings." Serious allegations have also been made that the Shankaracharya forced himself upon them inside his own vehicle and compelled the boys to sleep with him.

This incident came to light after the victims managed to escape from the camp when they got an opportunity. The complainant, Ashutosh Brahmachari, stated that he had to seek refuge in the court after the police administration initially did not listen, and now he has hope for justice.

• Shankaracharya's Defense: Conspiracy and False Case

Meanwhile, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand has claimed that the allegations against him are completely baseless and a planned conspiracy. He alleged that the complainant Ashutosh Brahmachari is a 'history-sheeter' involved in extorting money by threatening others. The Shankaracharya asserted that Rambhadracharya instigated his disciple to file a false case to frame him. He expressed confidence that he will fully cooperate with the investigation and that the truth will emerge soon.