A high-profile legal battle unfolds in Varanasi where revered Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand and his followers are entangled in child molestation accusations. Anticipating arrests, they have filed for pre-arrest bail in the High Court, while the leader vociferously demands a high-level inquiry to protect the prestige of the Shankaracharya seat.
Speaking candidly, Avimukteshwaranand labeled the allegations as malicious attacks on a sacred institution. ‘Such accusations against a Shankaracharya are unacceptable; a comprehensive probe is vital to maintain its honor,’ he asserted. He went further, criticizing the UP police’s credibility and proposing an external investigation panel from opposition-governed states.
The controversy intensified with circulating images purportedly showing him fraternizing with officers. Dismissing them as fabricated, possibly via AI, he challenged investigators to verify their source. ‘These are planted to discredit us—uncover who is behind this,’ he urged.
Regarding the bounty on a fellow ascetic’s nose, he portrayed it as verbal outburst from aggrieved sadhus, not a call to arms. ‘Our faith abhors violence; this is merely collective frustration spilling out,’ he explained.
With the probe underway, the Shankaracharya advised restraint, believing evidence will soon exonerate them. This saga raises critical questions about handling cases involving spiritual figures, police impartiality, and the role of digital manipulation in scandals.