Lucknow, Feb. 23 -- Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai on Monday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an independent and impartial investigation into a case registered against Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

He also urged that the probe be handed over to a central or independent agency to ensure transparency.

In his letter, Rai requested the Prime Minister to ensure an "independent, impartial, and transparent investigation" into the case filed under the POCSO Act at Jhusi police station in Prayagraj, and to protect "the constitutional dignity of religious autonomy."

Referring to media reports, Rai wrote, "You are likely aware from reports ...