Varanasi is at the center of a brewing storm as Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati faces serious allegations of child sexual abuse alongside his disciples. With arrest warrants looming, the spiritual leader has approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation to uphold the dignity of his esteemed position.
In an exclusive conversation, the Shankaracharya dismissed the charges as baseless and urged authorities to conduct a large-scale probe. ‘Accusing someone of my stature with such grave claims is deeply unjust,’ he stated firmly. ‘The position of Shankaracharya demands utmost respect, and only a transparent inquiry can clear the air.’
He expressed distrust in the Uttar Pradesh police, suggesting a committee from non-BJP ruled states take over the investigation. ‘Public faith in UP police is waning; an independent team is essential for truth to emerge,’ he added.
Addressing viral photos showing him with policemen, Avimukteshwaranand questioned their authenticity, alleging they might be AI-generated to malign him. ‘Why create fake images to imply closeness with police? Their origins must be traced,’ he demanded.
On the controversial Rs 21 lakh reward announced for harming a rival saint, he clarified it stemmed from outrage among saints but emphasized non-violence in Sanatana Dharma. ‘No one will resort to violence; it’s just expressed anger through words,’ he said.
As the investigation progresses, the Shankaracharya maintains silence on specifics, confident that facts will vindicate him. This case has sparked debates on the sanctity of religious leadership and the need for unbiased policing in sensitive matters.