Anandmath Ashram Head Booked Under POCSO Over Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor in Amravati
Police Register Case After Woman Alleges Years of Sexual Abuse
Amravati, Maharashtra: The head of Anandmath Ashram in Maharashtra’s Amravati district, Dattagiri Guru Jayaramji Maharaj, has been booked on charges of rape and sexual assault following allegations made by a woman who claimed she was repeatedly abused while she was a minor. Based on her complaint, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The investigation is currently underway.
Woman Alleges Abuse Began After Joining the Ashram
According to the police, the complainant stated that she first met Jayaramji Maharaj during a religious event in 2014. She alleged that she began living at the ashram in 2016, when she was still a minor, and was subjected to repeated sexual assault and exploitation during her stay.
FIR Registered Under Serious Charges
Police at Chandur Railway Police Station have registered the case under Section 64(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (rape), Section 351(2), along with relevant provisions of the POCSO Act. Officials said the allegations are serious in nature and are being investigated impartially.
Accused Reportedly Absconding
Chandur Railway Police Station Inspector Suresh Maske said that the accused is currently absconding. Multiple police teams have been deployed to trace and arrest him, and raids are being conducted at suspected locations. Authorities said every effort is being made to secure his arrest at the earliest.
Police Collecting Evidence
Investigators have recorded the complainant’s statement and are questioning other individuals connected to the case. Police said they are examining available documents, circumstantial evidence, and other relevant material as part of the investigation. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings.
Investigation Ongoing
Police emphasized that the case remains under investigation and that the allegations will be examined through the legal process. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the accused or his representatives. Under Indian law, every accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
