In a significant legal development, a specialized POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court has intervened in a sensitive matter involving high-profile spiritual figures. "Additional district judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasiya directed the police to register an FIR and investigate the matter on a petition filed by Ashutosh Bramhachari." This judicial order marks the beginning of a formal criminal inquiry into allegations that have sent shockwaves through the local community.

According to reliable "police sources, the FIR would be registered at Jhusi police station in Prayagraj district." This follows the specific procedural requirements of the court. The legal move was initiated under a formal application. "The case will be registered at Jhunsi police station following the court’s directions. The application under Section 173(4) was filed by Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, seeking strict action, news agency ANI reported."

The petitioner, "Bramhachari, who was president of Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nirman Trust, had approached the court seeking registration of an FIR against the seer and one of his disciples alleging that some children were sexually abused at the seer’s ashram in Varanasi." These serious accusations prompted the court to look deeply into the available evidence before making its decision. As part of the preliminary process, "the court had earlier recorded video-graphed statements of two children and also perused a police report in this connection. The court had reserved its judgement" until now.

In addition to the testimonies, "Bramhachari claimed that he had also submitted a CD in the court as ‘evidence’ in connection with the matter." Following the judge's decision to proceed with the FIR, the petitioner expressed his approval of the direction the case is taking. "Expressing satisfaction over the court’s order, he said that he would soon undertake a ‘Sanatan Yatra’ on foot ‘exposing’ the Swami."

This legal battle is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing friction between Swami Avimukteshwaranand and the state administration. Specifically, "Avimukteshwaranand has been engaged in a verbal duel with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after he was prevented from proceeding toward Ganga to take the holy dip during the recently concluded ‘Magh Mela’ (an annual ritual) at Prayagraj last month."

The tension escalated during that event when "his disciples were also involved in a scuffle with the police then and the seer alleged that the cops had brutally assaulted his disciples and ‘batuks’ (celibate Hindu children, who take initiation in Gurukul for vedic education)." Since that incident, the relationship between the spiritual leader and the government has soured significantly. "The seer had been attacking Adityanath since then and even questioned the latter’s Hindu credentials."

Despite the gravity of the new court order, the seer has welcomed the investigation as a way to clear his name. "Reacting to the court order seer said, 'Yes, it is appropriate. Only when a case is registered will the subsequent process of investigation and recording of testimony be completed. Only then will the truth of the false case filed against us come before everyone, and those responsible for doing this can be punished. Therefore, it is necessary. We would only say that the court should proceed with this at a faster pace without taking too much time, as many people are watching this matter. Testimony should be recorded and a decision taken as soon as possible. What is wrong will remain wrong, and the false case that has been filed will ultimately be proven false.'"

This case is the latest in a series of controversies involving Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Just last month, the seer was at the center of a standoff during the Magh Mela at the Sangam in Prayagraj. "The move comes amid a backdrop of controversy surrounding Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Last month, the seer claimed he was prevented from taking a ritual dip at the Sangam during the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, leading him to stage an 11-day sit-in protest." Reflecting on that protest later, he told reporters: "“When I sat there for 11 days, no official asked me to take a dip. Now it is too late. I will go to the Magh Mela next year and take a respectful bath.”" Beyond the ritual disputes, the seer has also pushed for major policy changes. "The seer had also urged Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to stop beef exports from the state and declare the cow as ‘Rajya Mata’, calling it a measure of the government’s commitment as a “Hindu sympathiser.”"

The root of the administrative friction dates back to mid-January. "The controversy traces back to January 18, when Swami Avimukteshwaranand, travelling in a palanquin to the Sangam for Mauni Amavasya, was asked by officials to dismount and proceed on foot due to heavy crowds." This request led to a chaotic scene where "the Mela administration alleged that his supporters broke a barricade on a pontoon bridge, causing crowd management issues."

In response to being stopped, "the seer protested outside the Shankaracharya camp, demanding an apology and a dignified escort for the ritual bath." However, the administration countered by challenging his official standing. "The administration also issued a notice questioning his use of the title of Shankaracharya of Jyotish Peeth, citing a civil appeal pending before the Supreme Court."

The fallout from these events has had political and professional consequences. "The row triggered political and administrative reactions. Prashant Kumar Singh, deputy commissioner in the Uttar Pradesh GST department, resigned citing moral reasons and Bareilly city magistrate Alankar Agnihotri also stepped down, highlighting concerns over the alleged insult to the seer." Furthermore, the political opposition has taken up the cause, as "the Congress party announced a campaign against the perceived insult, demanding that the state governor take suo motu cognisance."