Daijiworld Media Network - Prayagraj

Prayagraj, Feb 25: Two minor boys on Wednesday, February 25, appeared before a judge in Prayagraj and reiterated their earlier statements to police alleging sexual exploitation, sources in the Prayagraj Police said.

According to sources, the children consistently described the abuse they endured. One of the minors reportedly recounted incidents spanning multiple locations, including Joshimath, Kedarnath, the Kumbh Mela and the Magh Mela. Medical examinations have corroborated their statements, further strengthening the evidence in the case.

The allegations are linked to Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand.

Police sources said the minors come from extremely impoverished families. Their fathers are reportedly under intense pressure from supporters of the Shankaracharya, creating a tense atmosphere and leaving the families fearful as the investigation progresses.

Authorities are proceeding with caution, carefully reviewing the recorded statements before initiating further action. Sources emphasised that no notices have been issued so far, and there are no immediate plans to visit Varanasi. The investigation is being directly supervised by the Prayagraj Commissioner, while Additional Police Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma is taking continuous updates from the Investigating Officer and the Assistant Commissioner of Police to ensure close monitoring.

Meanwhile, the Allahabad High Court is scheduled to hear Avimukteshwaranand’s anticipatory bail plea on February 26 (Thursday). Police are expected to finalise their strategy after the court’s decision, aligning further action with legal directives in the sensitive case.

While sources indicated that more victims could potentially emerge in the alleged exploitation network, investigators are currently focusing strictly on the statements of the two minors to build a strong and legally sound case.