Swami Avimukteshwaranand Ready to Comply with POCSO Investigation Amid Criticism of Uttar Pradesh Government
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Varanasi, Feb 23 (NationPress) Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati stated on Monday that he is prepared to confront arrest and is committed to cooperating entirely with any investigation linked to the POCSO case. He also expressed his discontent with the Uttar Pradesh government.
During a press conference, the seer emphasized that if an inquiry is ongoing, he is more invested than the authorities in achieving a swift resolution to the allegations of misconduct.
"Should an investigation be ongoing, we will provide our cooperation. While the police and state have a vested interest in resolving the case, our commitment to ensuring this issue is addressed promptly exceeds theirs," he remarked.
Regarding the potential for custodial arrest, he argued that such a measure would be unwarranted at this stage, as custodial arrests are generally intended to preserve evidence, perform medical assessments, or prevent the accused from fleeing.
"With so much time having passed, all three justifications have become irrelevant, making an arrest now pointless. Nevertheless, if such a situation arises, we will offer our full cooperation," he noted.
The Shankaracharya mentioned that he possesses limited details about the case, suggesting that journalists seemed to have more insight than he did. He clarified that no specialized legal team had been called urgently, although some attorneys had voluntarily come to provide assistance.
Quoting from the Ramcharitmanas, he indicated that deceit and hypocrisy ultimately meet their end, referencing an episode involving Ravana as a moral lesson.
He also highlighted the comprehensive surveillance measures during his previous visit to Prayagraj, noting the extensive installation of CCTV cameras monitored from a centralized control room.
"You may inquire with the officials regarding the expenditure on the CCTVs and the storage of the footage," he suggested, implying that visual evidence could clarify circumstances if necessary.
The investigation into the case continues, with state authorities yet to issue an official statement regarding the seer's situation.