“Extremely Obstinate, Spoiled the Situation”: Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Criticizes Prayagraj Police Commissioner

Prayagraj: The controversy surrounding Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has deepened following clashes with the police administration during the Magh Mela. Swami Avimukteshwaranand has intensified his allegations against the authorities in recent days.

The conflict erupted during the Magh Mela when a confrontation occurred between the police and the Swami’s followers. Speaking out, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand accused Prayagraj Police Commissioner Jogendra Kumar of being “extremely obstinate” and deliberately trying to provoke anger among the devotees.

“The Commissioner was the most stubborn person there,” the Shankaracharya said, “making repeated announcements and trying to create a rift. He even publicly spoke about our supposed wrongdoing, which was completely unjustified.”

The Shankaracharya further alleged that when he tried to present his side, the authorities told him, “This microphone is for us, not for you.” Avimukteshwaranand claimed that the police announcement falsely stated that his procession was causing public inconvenience, even though the chariot was parked at the side and no one was obstructed. “We did not mistreat anyone in any way,” he asserted.

Police Commissioner’s Statement

Earlier, Commissioner Jogendra Kumar had stated that the police were only trying to prevent a potential stampede. “Due to dense fog, the highest crowd was present at the Sangam between 9 and 10 a.m. When the procession insisted on proceeding to Sangam Noz with 200 people, we tried to make them understand the risks. No saint was denied performing rituals, and everyone was asked to bathe like a common devotee,” he explained. After three hours of negotiation, the Swami and his followers returned to their ashram.

Political Support from Akhilesh Yadav

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav condemned the alleged treatment of the Swami. Expressing support for Avimukteshwaranand, Yadav stated that the mistreatment of saints, devotees, and followers during this year’s Magh Mela mirrors last year’s incident. He added that the ancient Shahi Snan tradition, observed for centuries, should be respected, and any disruption by authorities is unacceptable.