Allahabad High Court Grants Interim Relief to Seer in POCSO Case
The Allahabad High Court on Friday provided significant relief to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in a sexual harassment case registered at the Jhunsi police station. The court issued an order staying his arrest, granting him interim protection from any coercive action until the next hearing in the matter.
Case Details and Allegations
A formal case was registered against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati under the stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This legal action followed a complaint that alleged sexual abuse, bringing the seer under intense legal scrutiny.
In response, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has vehemently denied all allegations, labeling the case as "false" and characterizing it as a deliberate attempt to defame his reputation. He has consistently maintained that neither he nor his gurukul had any prior connection or interaction with the complainants involved in this matter.
Seer's Defense and Public Statements
Earlier, the seer made a public declaration expressing his willingness to undergo a narco analysis test if it could help establish the truth in this contentious case. "If the truth can be ascertained through a narco test, it should certainly be done. Whatever methods are available to uncover the truth should be adopted," he told reporters during a media interaction.
He raised serious questions about the validity of medical examination reports presented in the case, arguing that such reports, conducted days after the alleged incidents, could not reliably establish his involvement. Furthermore, he contended that even if any wrongdoing had occurred, it would not automatically link him to the alleged acts without concrete evidence.
Allegations Against Complainant and Police
The seer further alleged that the children involved were staying with the complainant, identified as Ashutosh Brahmachari alias Pandey. He questioned why these children were not sent to a juvenile home for proper care and protection, raising concerns about their welfare.
Referring to media reports that indicated the children were kept at a hotel in Hardoi, he alleged they were not allowed to meet journalists. Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati accused the police of shielding the complainant, suggesting possible irregularities in the handling of the case that warrant further investigation.
The interim protection granted by the Allahabad High Court provides temporary relief while the legal proceedings continue, with all parties awaiting the next hearing for further developments in this high-profile case.
