Are Minors Being Exploited at Magh Mela? FIR Filed Against Avimukteshwaranand
Synopsis
A shocking FIR has been filed against Swami Avimukteshwaranand and his aide for allegedly exploiting minors at his ashram. This disturbing revelation highlights serious issues of abuse within religious institutions, prompting urgent calls for justice. Read more to uncover the details surrounding these allegations.
Key Takeaways
Swami Avimukteshwaranand faces serious allegations of sexual abuse.
A POCSO court has mandated an FIR to be filed.
The case underscores the vulnerability of minors in religious institutions.
Victims sought help during the Magh Mela .
The accused denies all allegations, calling them fabricated.
Lucknow, Feb 22 (NationPress) A dedicated POCSO court in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj has, on Saturday, mandated the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his associate, Mukundanand Giri, over their purported involvement in the sexual exploitation of two minors at his ashram.
The FIR, filed under Section 173 (4) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), reveals alarming accounts of the sexual abuse of two minors at the ashram of Swami Avimukteshwaranand by the seer and his associates.
The complaint was lodged by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj from Tulsi Kunj.
According to the complainant, the two male minors, aged 14 and 17 years, suffered continuous sexual abuse at the hands of Swami Avimukteshwaranand and his aides for over a year.
The victims disclosed their ordeal to him during the Magh Mela, seeking his help for police protection against their exploitation.
They expressed a desire to become his disciples, revealing that they were abused, even during the Maha Kumbh 2025 and the Magh Mela 2026, under the guise of “guru seva,” which they were told would bring them benefits in the future.
The complaint further alleges that the minors were coerced and threatened to sleep without clothes at the ashram, either alone or together, leading to their exploitation at night.
“Even during the recent Magh Mela, Swami Avimukteshwaranand allegedly abused the minors inside a parked car and in a makeshift camp,” the FIR states.
Only after the victims escaped from the seer’s “captivity” and reached Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj’s ashram did he become aware of the sexual misconduct and subsequently filed a complaint with the Prayagraj police.
In contrast, Swami Avimukteshwaranand has dismissed the allegations as part of a motivated conspiracy, asserting that the legal process will expose the truth.
The seer has also questioned the credibility of the complainant, alleging that he has a criminal history. “The person accusing me is a known criminal, and his record speaks for itself,” he stated shortly after the police were instructed to file a complaint against him.
Swami Avimukteshwarananda, who is the 'Shankaracharya' of Jyotirmath (Uttarakhand), has recently been in the news due to a confrontation with the organizers of the Magh Mela, after being denied permission to take a holy dip during Mauni Amavasya. The seer accused state authorities of obstructing his sacred observance.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this sensitive matter with utmost seriousness. Allegations of sexual abuse, especially against minors, demand thorough investigation and accountability. The community must reflect on the safety of its most vulnerable members and ensure that justice prevails.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the allegations against Swami Avimukteshwaranand?
Swami Avimukteshwaranand is accused of sexual exploitation of two minors at his ashram, as detailed in an FIR.
Who filed the FIR against him?
The FIR was filed by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, who was approached by the victims during the Magh Mela.
What was the response of Swami Avimukteshwaranand to the allegations?
He has dismissed the claims as a motivated conspiracy and has questioned the credibility of the complainant.
What is the significance of the Magh Mela in this context?
The Magh Mela serves as a backdrop where the victims revealed their abuse, highlighting the need for vigilance during such gatherings.
What legal actions have been taken?
A POCSO court has ordered the registration of an FIR against the accused, and the investigation is underway.
