Security was significantly tightened at the Varanasi court complex after senior advocate Shrinath Tripathi received a bomb threat on his mobile phone, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement authorities. Tripathi, a senior lawyer and member of the Bar Council of India, is representing Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Officials confirmed that the threat message warned of blowing up the Varanasi court premises and targeting the advocate personally.
The incident created alarm within the jurisdiction of the Cantt police station, where the advocate practices. Upon being informed, senior administrative and police officials, including the City Magistrate, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cantt), and Inspector (Cantt), arrived at the court complex and held discussions with Tripathi. The advocate later submitted a formal complaint to the district judge in Varanasi, requesting appropriate action in response to the threat.
Treating the matter as serious, authorities deployed bomb disposal squads and sniffer dog units to conduct a thorough search of the entire court premises. After an extensive sweep, officials confirmed that no explosive devices or suspicious materials were found. Despite the threat, judicial proceedings continued as scheduled, though under enhanced police presence and close monitoring to ensure safety and maintain order within the court complex.
The development comes amid a sensitive legal case involving Jyotish Peeth (Jyotirmath) Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who is facing allegations of sexual exploitation. An FIR was registered in Prayagraj on the direction of a court against the seer, his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari, and two to three unidentified individuals. The complaint alleges that two disciples, including a minor, were subjected to sexual exploitation between January 13, 2025 and February 15, 2026.
According to the FIR, the alleged incidents occurred during religious camps associated with the 2025 Kumbh Mela and the 2026 Magh Mela in Prayagraj. The complaint claims that the incidents took place both within camp premises and inside a vehicle parked outside during the Magh Mela period. Police officials have stated that statements from all relevant parties will be recorded as part of the ongoing investigation, and no arrests have been made so far.
Swami Avimukteshwaranand has denied all allegations, describing the FIR as a fabricated conspiracy intended to damage his reputation. He has questioned the fairness of the investigation and demanded a high-level and impartial probe, while also expressing willingness to cooperate with authorities. The seer has further claimed that the complainant submitted two different affidavits before the court and alleged that the case is linked to attempts to obstruct his religious outreach initiatives and cow protection campaigns.
While the bomb threat incident has added another layer of tension to the already sensitive matter, authorities have assured that security arrangements at the Varanasi court complex remain robust and that any attempt to disrupt judicial functioning will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
