Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj Claims Fake Pocso Case Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Conspiracy

lodged “a fake case”.

Das, the mahant of Deva Ashram in Mathura, in a statement, refuted Maharaj’s claims and demanded legal action against him, alleging the latter may cause harm to him.

Das is the successor of Swami Rambhadracharya; Maharaj too is a disciple of Rambhadracharya.

Asked if he would withdraw the complaint against Saraswati, Maharaj told The Indian Express, “We will discuss this and take a decision soon in this regard.”

Asked about his allegations against Das, Maharaj refused to speak about it in detail but said he would make it clear later.

On February 21, a special court in Prayagraj ordered police to lodge an FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other relevant laws and initiate an independent probe.

On March 25, Saraswati and his disciple were granted anticipatory bail in the case by the Allahabad High Court.

Saraswati, who is the Jyotirmath Shankaracharya, and others were booked under BNS section 351 (3) and sections 5, 6, 3, 4 (2), 16, 17 of the POCSO Act. They face charges of aggravated penetrative sexual assault on child under POCSO sections for which the punishment ranges between 7 years to life imprisonment. Under the BNS section, the accused face charges of aggravated criminal intimidation.

The case was directed to be lodged against Saraswati, Mukundanand Brahmachari of Sheshnath Ashram, Badrinath Dham, Uttarakhand and two-three unknown accused.

Saraswati had earlier said that Maharaj is a history-sheeter.

Maharaj, who says he became a disciple of Swami Rambhadracharya in 2022, was known as Ashutosh Pandey earlier.

Bhupendra Pandey is the Resident Editor of the Lucknow edition of The Indian Express. With decades of experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s journalistic landscape, he oversees the bureau’s coverage of India’s most politically significant state. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of state governance, legislative policy, and grassroots social movements. From tracking high-stakes assembly elections to analyzing administrative shifts in the Hindi heartland, Bhupendra’s reportage provides a definitive lens on the region's evolution. Authoritativeness He leads a team of seasoned reporters and investigators, ensuring that The Indian Express’ signature "Journalism of Courage" is reflected in every regional story. His leadership is central to the Lucknow bureau’s reputation for breaking stories that hold the powerful to account, making him a trusted figure for policy analysts, political scholars, and the general public seeking to understand the nuances of UP’s complex landscape. Trustworthiness & Accountability Under his stewardship, the Lucknow edition adheres to the strictest standards of factual verification and non-partisan reporting. He serves as a bridge between the local populace and the national discourse, ensuring that regional issues are elevated with accuracy and context. By prioritizing primary-source reporting and on-the-ground verification, he upholds the trust that readers have placed in the Express brand for nearly a century. ... Read More