Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Faces POCSO Case; Bail Plea Pending in Prayagraj

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, faces allegations of sexual abuse involving two minors and others at his gurukul and religious events, including the Magh Mela in Prayagraj. The FIR, filed under the POCSO Act, names him, his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari, and unidentified individuals. Medical reports reportedly confirm abuse. The complainant, Ashutosh Brahmachari, alleges wider misconduct involving ashram officials and political figures. Avimukteshwaranand denies the charges, claiming fabrication and has filed a counter-case. The Allahabad High Court is set to hear anticipatory bail pleas amid ongoing investigations and political tensions.