The Allahabad High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari in connection with allegations of sexual exploitation of minors under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Justice Jitendra Kumar Sinha issued the order on Wednesday, instructing both the complainant and the accused to avoid making any public comments regarding the case. This directive aims to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation is maintained without interference from either side.

Conditions of the Bail

The court’s decision to grant anticipatory bail came after a thorough review of arguments and evidence presented during the proceedings. The court stressed the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed unimpeded. Along with granting bail, the court also imposed a gag order on both the complainant and the accused, preventing them from discussing the matter with the media.

Previous Court Orders

This ruling follows an earlier decision by the court to stay the arrest of Avimukteshwaranand on February 27, ensuring that he would not be detained until a final ruling was made. During the case hearings, the court directed both the state government and the complainant to provide their responses while urging the accused to cooperate fully with the investigative process. This highlighted the court’s commitment to a fair examination of the claims.

Details of the Allegations

The case originated from a First Information Report (FIR) lodged at the Jhunsi police station in Prayagraj, as per directives from a POCSO court. The complaints allege that numerous young disciples, referred to as ‘batuks,’ residing at the ashram suffered sexual exploitation. The complainant, Ashutosh Pandey, who is also known as Ashutosh Brahmachari, expressed confidence that justice would be served once the evidence is presented in court.

Defence and Prosecution Perspectives

The defence team has categorically rejected the allegations, labeling them as unfounded. Their argument hinges on claims that the complainant possesses a criminal record and that the minors allegedly victimized had never lived at the seer’s ashram. The authenticity of medical reports presented in the case has also been called into question by the defence, which accused the complainant of trying to manipulate the situation. In a significant move, Avimukteshwaranand stated he is willing to undergo a narcoanalysis test to reinforce his assertions of innocence.

State’s Opposition to Bail

The state authorities opposed the anticipatory bail request on procedural grounds, contending that the accused should have initially approached a sessions court before seeking relief from the high court. This procedural argument indicates the complexities involved in navigating legal protocols within such sensitive cases. The ongoing proceedings are expected to further unfold as the court continues to examine the details surrounding the allegations and the responses of all parties involved.

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