Political Turmoil Erupts in Varanasi Over Seer's POCSO Case
For the second consecutive day, the Shri Vidya Mutt at Kedar Ghat in Varanasi remained a hub of political activity on Tuesday. This follows the registration of a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Swami Avimukteshwaranand at the Jhunsi police station in Prayagraj. Leaders from various opposition parties visited the mutt to express their solidarity with the seer, creating a significant political spectacle.
Seer's Legal Moves and Allegations Against Government
Although no police team from Prayagraj arrived at the mutt for investigation or any other official action, Swami Avimukteshwaranand took proactive legal steps. He filed a plea before the High Court seeking anticipatory bail. Simultaneously, he launched a fierce verbal attack on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his administration.
The seer accused the government of fostering a nexus between criminals and law enforcement, claiming this alliance is fabricating false charges against him. To substantiate his allegations, he released a photograph showing Prayagraj Joint Commissioner of Police Ajay Pal Sharma and the complainant, Ajay Brahmachari, cutting a cake together.
"This photograph reveals a longstanding relationship between the two individuals, casting serious doubts on the impartiality of the investigation being conducted under Sharma's supervision," stated the seer. He further questioned the timing of the case filing, suggesting it was strategically delayed.
Congress Announces Statewide Protests and Demands PM Intervention
Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) President Ajay Rai arrived at the mutt to extend his party's support to Swami Avimukteshwaranand. In a bold declaration, Rai announced that Congress workers across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh would stage protests and submit memorandums to local officials.
The memorandum will demand Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct intervention to halt the alleged harassment of the seer and his disciples. Rai characterized the filing of the First Information Report (FIR) as a deliberate attempt to tarnish Avimukteshwaranand's reputation through a premeditated conspiracy.
"This action is not just an insult to the seer but to the entire Sanatan Dharma. Congress members will not tolerate such disrespect under any circumstances," asserted Rai. He vowed that the Congress party would mobilize public support to counter what he described as the government's dictatorial attitude, promising to fight this battle from the streets to the legislative assemblies and parliament.
Opposition Parties Converge on Mutt in Show of Solidarity
The influx of political figures to the Shri Vidya Mutt began on Monday and continued intensively on Tuesday. Samajwadi Party MP from Chandauli, Virendra Singh, along with numerous party leaders, visited the mutt on Monday to demonstrate their support for Avimukteshwaranand.
On Tuesday, a steady stream of Samajwadi Party leaders, advocates, and their office-bearers congregated at the site, amplifying the political significance of the event. The mutt has effectively transformed into a focal point for opposition unity against the state government.
Seer Questions Police Procedures and Timing of Case
Swami Avimukteshwaranand raised critical questions about the police handling of the case. He pointed out that there were no issues before he departed from the Magh Mela in Prayagraj, after being prevented from bathing in the Sangam. The situation escalated notably when Joint Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma became actively involved.
The seer challenged the police's delay in registering the POCSO case, emphasizing that if the matter genuinely involved minors, immediate action should have been taken to ensure timely medical examinations. This delay, he argued, further undermines the credibility of the investigation and suggests ulterior motives behind the charges.
