Shankaracharya questions presence of complainant, a history-sheeter, during police investigation

Shankaracharya of Jyotirpeeth Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Wednesday raised serious questions about the investigation process in the case filed against him.

Showing a social media post, he said the complainant, a history-sheeter, was personally present during the police investigation. “What kind of impartial investigation is this,” he asked.

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“The photo we have shown of the police officer with the so-called Ashutosh Maharaj was taken from his own social media account. “Happy Birthday” is written below the photo. The big question is how is Ashutosh Maharaj aware of the secret police investigation? He even received information about the medical report in advance, which casts doubt on the entire process,” the Shankaracharya said.

He further said when these people are caught, they claim the evidence is fabricated by “Artificial Intelligence” (AI). When idols were vandalized in Kashi, the Chief Minister also claimed those images were AI-generated.

Citing evidence, Shankaracharya said, “According to my lawyers, the two children making the allegations have been living with the so-called Maharaj for a long time. They never lived with us.”

“We have photographs, videos, and documentary evidence that the children were with him. Since the children are minors, their evidence cannot be made public, but it will be presented before the court,” he said.

“If the so-called Maharaj claims that the medical report confirms sexual assault, it is clear that the act must have occurred where the children were living with him, because they never lived with us,” he claimed.

Swami Avimukteshwarananda expressed concern, saying that the country’s saints and sadhus are afraid today. When a history-sheeter, protected by the police, can file a case against Shankaracharya, he can do anything to anyone. Although the public is standing with Shankaracharya, he is still receiving calls from several Mahamandaleshwars who are appalled by the situation.

Refuting reports of any secrets or ‘Sheeshmahal’ in the monastery, he said, “There is no secret place or swimming pool in the monastery. When Pujya Guruji fell ill, temporary arrangements for water exercises were made on the advice of doctors so that he would not get injured if he fell. This arrangement was only for his health. Furthermore, the CEO of our monastery is also being unnecessarily maligned.”