Controversy Erupts Over ‘Sanatan Dharma Dialogue’ Event in Basti

Basti, April 5: A controversy has emerged in Basti district, Uttar Pradesh, regarding a program led by Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. An FIR has been filed by the police concerning the ‘Sanatan Dharma Dialogue’ event held on March 29. This event took place in the premises of Rajkiya Inter College Basti.

According to police reports, the event organizer, Prashant Pandey (State President of the National Mahasabha), obtained conditional permission from the administration. However, investigations revealed that the conditions of this permission were not fully adhered to.

During the investigation of a report filed by Sub-Inspector Sabhashankar Yadav, it was found that the event violated Section 163 of the Indian Citizen Safety Code 2023. Loudspeakers were operated at volumes exceeding the standards set by the honorable court, causing discomfort to nearby residents.

The police also alleged that some speakers delivered speeches that could incite hostility and hatred between communities, leading to unease among the public.

Inspector Moti Chand from the Kotwali Basti police station has registered appropriate charges against organizer Prashant Pandey and other speakers, including Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati.

Previously, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati received relief from a sexual harassment case, with the Allahabad High Court halting his arrest. He and his supporters celebrated this as a victory for justice, asserting that truth always prevails.

Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has been vocal against the Yogi government, demanding a complete ban on cow slaughter in Uttar Pradesh. He has been touring various districts in the state as part of this campaign. He arrived in Basti on May 29, where his program was granted conditional approval, but police now claim that the rules were not followed.