Bhagwat katha by rape-accused Uttam Swami in Jabalpur:Mahamandaleshwar confines himself as woman levels allegations

Mahant Uttam Swami of Shri Panch Agni Akhada, who is facing allegations of rape by a young woman from Rajasthan, is currently staying in Jabalpur, where he is conducting a Bhagwat Katha at his ashram in Hirapur area of Bhedaghat. The religious discourse is scheduled from February 9 to February 15 at the 10-acre ashram complex. On Friday, attempts by Bhaskar to speak with Uttam Swami were unsuccessful, as his disciples did not permit any interaction. The Bhagwat Katha, which was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., had not started even by 3.30 p.m. The Mahamandaleshwar did not appear in public during this period. After a prolonged delay, an announcement was made at the venue stating that Uttam Swami was unwell. Following this, one of his disciples delivered the discourse from the Vyaspith in his absence. The katha venue, spread over around 5,000 square feet, has seating arrangements for nearly 3,000 devotees. Facilities such as food stalls, swings, and other amenities have also been set up. Despite the allegations, a steady flow of devotees continued to attend the programme. According to sources, Uttam Swami has confined himself to his room at the ashram. No official statement has been issued by him or his representatives regarding the allegations. The headquarters of Shri Panch Agni Akhada is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with branches in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Junagadh. Uttam Swami, also known as Ishwaranand Maharaj, was born in Lohgaon village of Amravati district in Maharashtra. Flex banners featuring Uttam Swami alongside leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party were seen displayed at the event venue. Victim seeks police protection The rape allegations have been made by a young woman from Rajasthan, who on February 12 sent an email to the Delhi Police Commissioner seeking security. In her complaint, she stated that she began receiving threats after indicating her intention to file a First Information Report (FIR). The woman alleged that Uttam Swami had sexually exploited her for several years under the guise of religion, beginning when she was a minor. She said that she was threatened and intimidated whenever she resisted and that his influence prevented her from approaching the authorities earlier. In her email, the complainant expressed fears that her personal information was being monitored and that evidence related to the case could be tampered with. She requested round-the-clock police protection and confidentiality regarding her identity and location. Political reactions The allegations have triggered a political response in Madhya Pradesh. KK Mishra, media adviser to Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari, demanded a thorough investigation and action against those associated with the ruling party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. So far, no official response has been issued by the BJP. The police and district administration have also not released any formal statement regarding the allegations or the political demands. The matter remains under scrutiny as calls for investigation and protection for the complainant continue.