A letter petition has been filed before the Allahabad High Court seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged obstruction by Uttar Pradesh Police of religious leader Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and his disciples from taking a holy dip at the Sangam on Mauni Amavasya during the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj. The incident reportedly took place on January 18, 2026.
The petition, submitted by advocate Gaurav Dwivedi, alleges that the police arbitrarily stopped the palanquin (palki) of the seer and forced him to proceed on foot, resulting in a confrontation, damage to the palanquin, disruption of sacred rituals, and manhandling of devotees. It also claims that juvenile disciples—Brahmin Batuks aged between 11 and 14 years—were illegally detained and assaulted in police custody.
Apart from the plea for a CBI investigation into the alleged custodial violence, the petitioner has sought a direction to the Uttar Pradesh government to immediately suspend the Prayagraj Commissioner, District Magistrate, Police Commissioner, and Mela Adhikari. It also urges the court to order the appointment of new officers in their place to ensure unbiased administration of the ongoing religious fair.
The petitioners have also demanded that a First Information Report (FIR) be registered against those responsible for the alleged violations.
The UP Principal Secretary (Home), Director General of Police (DGP), Prayagraj Commissioner, DM, Police Commissioner, and Mela Adhikari have been arrayed as respondents in the case.
Highlighting the religious significance of Mauni Amavasya, the petition states that it is the most sacred bathing day of the Magh Mela and any administrative interference on such an occasion amounts to a direct infringement of religious freedoms under Article 25 of the Constitution.
The court is expected to take up the matter in due course.
