Complainant in Sexual Abuse Case Against Religious Leader Attacked on Train

In a shocking incident, a man who filed a complaint against religious leader Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati was attacked with a razor on a train in Prayagraj. The complainant, Ashutosh Brahmachari, alleged that he was assaulted while traveling. This attack comes amidst serious allegations against Saraswati regarding the sexual abuse of minors. The case has drawn significant attention, especially given the ongoing tensions between the religious leader and local authorities. As investigations unfold, questions arise about the motivations behind the attack and the broader implications of the case.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 11:43 IST

Incident on Train in Prayagraj

A man who lodged a complaint against religious figure Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was reportedly assaulted by an unknown individual wielding a razor while on a train in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, according to police sources.

Saraswati, who leads the Jyotirmath monastery, faces allegations of having sexually abused two minors at a camp in Prayagraj over the past year. A first information report was registered against him and his disciple Mukundanand on February 21, following a directive from the court.

The complainant, Ashutosh Brahmachari, had approached a special POCSO court, asserting that the police had not acted on his written complaints. The court subsequently ordered the case to be registered.

Brahmachari reported that he was attacked while traveling to Prayagraj on the Rewa Express, as stated by an unidentified officer from the Government Railway Police.

According to the officer, as the train neared Sirathu station, Brahmachari went to the restroom, where he was allegedly assaulted with a razor.

He suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital in Prayagraj for medical evaluation. Authorities are reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the scene to identify the assailant.

In response, Saraswati expressed skepticism regarding the attack on Brahmachari, suggesting it might be fabricated. He urged railway officials to conduct an investigation to uncover the truth.

Controversies Surrounding Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati

Legal Developments

On February 28, the Allahabad High Court granted interim protection from arrest to Saraswati in the ongoing POCSO case.

The religious leader has consistently claimed that the accusations against him are unfounded and politically driven.

This case emerged amid rising tensions between Saraswati and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttar Pradesh.

In January, he staged an 11-day sit-in protest in Prayagraj after local authorities allegedly barred him from taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam during the holy day of Mauni Amavasya on January 18.

Saraswati also issued a 40-day ultimatum to Chief Minister Adityanath, demanding the declaration of the cow as 'rajya mata' and urging measures to halt the export of cow meat.

Additionally, he was among the three shankaracharyas who announced they would not attend the inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya scheduled for January 2024.