Seer Moves HC in POCSO Case, Seeks Bail

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has filed an anticipatory bail petition before the Allahabad High Court in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The plea seeks protection from arrest while the investigation continues.

FIR Registered on Court Direction

An FIR was lodged at Jhunsi police station in Prayagraj following a directive from a special POCSO court. The case was registered based on an application moved by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj and others.

According to the FIR, the seer, along with his disciple Mukundanand Giri and a few unidentified individuals, allegedly subjected a minor and another youth to repeated sexual assault over the past year. The alleged incidents are said to have taken place at a gurukul and during religious gatherings, including the recently concluded Magh Mela in Prayagraj.

The case has been filed under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as reported by news agency PTI.

Seer Denies Allegations

Speaking to reporters in Varanasi, Swami Avimukteshwaranand said that he had not received any formal notice from the police.

He described the allegations as false and fabricated. He stated that he and his legal team are preparing to challenge the FIR in court. The seer also questioned the alleged connection between him and the complainants.

He added that in cases under POCSO, police are expected to act swiftly and conduct medical examinations, and raised questions about the timing of the complaint.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Sources said that a notice has been sent to the office of the government advocate before filing the anticipatory bail application. The High Court is expected to hear the matter in due course.

The case has drawn attention amid ongoing public discussions surrounding the seer. Earlier this year, he had staged a protest during the Magh Mela after being reportedly prevented from taking a ritual dip at the Sangam.

Authorities have not issued further details regarding the investigation. The matter remains under legal consideration.