Prayagraj, Feb. 21 -- A Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, ordered the registration of an FIR against Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Saturday. The order follows allegations of sexual exploitation of minors levelled against the religious leader.

Following the court's order, a case will now be registered at the Jhunsi police station. The complaint was filed under Section 173(4) by Shakumbhari Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj, who sought the registration of an FIR and strict action in the matter.

On February 13, the statements of two minor complainants were recorded in court via videography, and the court took formal cognisance of the police ...