PRAYAGRAJ, India — Maulana Sajid Rashidi, head of the All India Imam Organisation, condemned Swami Avimukteshwaranand on Sunday for allegations of child sexual abuse. A special POCSO court in Prayagraj directed Jhunsi Police Station to register an FIR against the swami, his disciple Mukundanand and two others.

The court order followed a complaint from Ashutosh Brahmachari. Two minors testified during an in-camera hearing before Special POCSO Judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasia. Rashidi called the revelations shocking, according to statements he made to reporters.

“Revered leaders cannot be above the law,” Rashidi said. He described Avimukteshwaranand, once seen as an honest public figure, as exposing a criminal side hidden behind spiritual status. “This is deeply disturbing,” he added. “No one, not even high-ranking Shankaracharyas, should escape accountability for such acts.”

Rashidi urged a full investigation into all ashrams and religious sites across India. Police must probe every corner, he said, to root out wrongdoing. The cleric warned that influence often shields offenders in religious circles. Government officials need to act decisively, he stressed, or similar cases will persist.

The case erupted Saturday when the Prayagraj court issued its directive. Avimukteshwaranand, a prominent Hindu seer, faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Details from the hearing remain sealed to protect the victims. Jhunsi police have yet to confirm next steps.

Rashidi’s remarks highlight tensions between faith communities over accountability. Muslim leaders like him rarely comment on Hindu clergy matters. Yet he positioned his call for justice as universal. “Anyone committing these crimes must face the strictest punishment,” he said.

Past incidents have fueled demands for oversight of religious institutions. In 2023, several ashrams faced probes for abuse claims. Rashidi suggested expanding such efforts nationwide. Uttar Pradesh authorities have registered thousands of POCSO cases in recent years, state records show.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand commands a large following through public processions and temple campaigns. His supporters view the FIR as a targeted attack. Rashidi dismissed such defenses. Influence won’t protect the guilty, he argued.

Police in Prayagraj plan to question the accused soon. The investigation could widen if more witnesses come forward. Rashidi repeated his plea Sunday evening. Law enforcement must treat religious figures like any citizen, he said.