Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) (India), February 21 (ANI): The Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Court (POCSO) in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday ordered the registration of an FIR against Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaran and Saraswati. The order follows allegations of sexual exploitation of minors made against the religious leader.
Based on the order of the court, the case will now be registered at the Jhunsi police station. A complaint under Section 173(4) was filed by Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, who sought registration of an FIR and strict action in the matter.
On February 13, the statements of the two minor complainants were videotaped in court and the court took note of the police report. After recording these statements and considering the report, the court reserved judgment.
Ashutosh Brahmachari, who is associated with the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nirman Trust and serves as Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar, filed the application under section 173(4) on January 28 after the Jhunsi police allegedly failed to register a case. Alleging that minor children were being exploited at Swami Avimukteshwaran and Saraswati’s ashram, he claimed to have submitted a CD containing the evidence to the court.
Accordingly, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Jhunsi Police Station, Prayagraj District is hereby directed to immediately register a First Information Report based on the information and materials on record. An FIR shall be lodged in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act, and the investigation shall be conducted strictly in accordance with legal procedures.
The court ordered that the investigation be conducted fairly and independently and ensure full compliance with the provisions of the POCSO Act, particularly those related to protecting the identity and dignity of victims.
The Authority is directed to ensure immediate compliance with this order and a compliance report must be submitted to the court within the statutory time frame. It is further clarified that the Court expressed no opinion on the merits of the case; all matters remain open to investigation and the agency must act independently and strictly in accordance with the law.
