Shahjahanpur Man Alleges Plot Against Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda; Claims Ashutosh Pandey Tried to Frame Him

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A man from Shahjahanpur has approached Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda in Varanasi, alleging a plot against the spiritual leader. The man claims that Ashutosh Pandey, who filed an FIR against the Shankaracharya, attempted to entice him into falsely accusing the Swami of misconduct involving his daughters. The Shahjahanpur resident says he refused to participate in the scheme and came forward to alert the Shankaracharya.

Speaking to the media, the man said, “I was at home when three unknown people came to me. They mentioned my father’s name, so I assumed it was someone important. During the conversation, they asked me to take action in a certain case and connected me over the phone to Ashutosh Pandey. They told me there was a Swami who needed to be ‘taken care of’ and asked me to accuse Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda of wrongdoing with my daughters. I immediately refused and told them such a suggestion was unacceptable. They assured me of my safety, but I came to the Shankaracharya to report this. I have no personal connection with Ashutosh Pandey or the Shankaracharya’s monastery.”

Swami Avimukteshwarananda Alleges Conspiracy
After hearing the man’s claims, Swami Avimukteshwarananda said he believes there is a large-scale conspiracy against him. He stated that multiple attempts are being made to implicate him in false cases. “This is one instance that points toward a bigger plot. A person from Shahjahanpur was being prepared to falsely accuse me, being tempted to level charges involving his daughters,” the Swami said.

Investigation Underway by Prayagraj Police
The FIR against Swami Avimukteshwarananda was lodged following a petition by Ashutosh Brahmachari, with allegations of sexual abuse during the Magh Mela involving minor disciples at the Swami’s camp. The FIR also names Swami’s disciple Mukudanand Giri. The Jhunsi Police in Prayagraj have registered the case and begun investigation; questioning of the Swami may take place soon.

Swami Questions Evidence and CCTV Records
At a recent press conference in Varanasi, the Swami said he is ready to cooperate fully with the authorities. He questioned why the CD allegedly in Ashutosh Brahmachari’s possession has not been made public. “If anything improper happened at my camp, it would have been recorded by CCTV cameras installed across the Magh Mela grounds. The students allegedly involved never attended my teachings and do not know me. The court can review the evidence, including school records that reference Hardoi,” he stated.

The case continues to raise questions about alleged conspiracies, evidence authenticity, and the role of intermediaries in high-profile spiritual abuse allegations in Uttar Pradesh.