Ashutosh Brahmachari levels fresh charges against Shankaracharya

Ashutosh Brahmachari, who has lodged an FIR against Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Maharaj, accusing him of sexual exploitation, on Wednesday levelled more charges against his Math.

Ashutosh Brahmachari has revealed the name of Prakash Upadhyay in connection with the sexual abuse case.

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He stated that Prakash Upadhyay, the CEO of the monastery, is also involved in the sexual exploitation of minor students. He alleged that Prakash Upadhyay was the one who brought students from flood-affected states and, in the name of guru seva, sent them to Swami Avimukteshwarananda.

Earlier, one Arvind was also named in this case. Brahmachari stated that he is a guru-brother of Swami Avimukteshwarananda.

Speaking to media persons here, Ashutosh Maharaj alleged that some senior leaders of the Samajwadi Party and the Congress are also involved in the case, though he did not disclose any names. He said that the names of the leaders will be disclosed at an appropriate time.

Ashutosh Brahmachari said that the statements of the two minor boys have already been recorded in the POCSO court under Section 183 of the IPC, and their medical examinations have been completed.

It has been reported that the medical examination has also confirmed sexual harassment. Brahmachari stated that, in addition to the two minor students, approximately 20 other victims are in contact with him.

He alleged that sexual exploitation of minor children took place at the Magh Mela, the Varanasi Math, Badrinath Dham, and the Narsingh Ashram in Jabalpur. Ashutosh Brahmachari claimed that, given the evidence against Swami Avimukteshwarananda, no one can save him from jail.

Ashutosh Brahmachari stated that he will soon reveal another name involved in the conspiracy. Based on Ashutosh Brahmachari’s application, the POCSO court ordered the Jhunsi police station to register an FIR in the sexual exploitation case.

An FIR under the POCSO Act was registered against Swami Avimukteshwarananda, his disciple Mukundanand Giri, and three unidentified persons, of whom the names of Arvind Mishra and Prakash Upadhyay have been revealed so far.

Ashutosh Brahmachari also stated that a third name will soon be revealed and claimed that he was in contact with some women. Swami Avimukteshwarananda, who is currently in the Varanasi Math, said that after Brahmachari raised the issue of Sheesh Mahal of Vidya Math, the swimming pool was filled with mud.