Varanasi, Feb 23: Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Monday said he is ready to face arrest and will fully cooperate with any probe in connection with the POCSO case, even as he criticised the Uttar Pradesh government.

Addressing reporters during media interaction here, the seer said that if an investigation is underway, he has a greater interest than the authorities in ensuring that the matter of the alleged wrongdoing is resolved swiftly.

“If any investigation is being conducted, we will cooperate. The police and the state may have an interest in resolving a case, but we have even more interest in ensuring that this wrongdoing is addressed quickly,” he said.

On the possibility of custodial arrest, he argued that such a step would serve no purpose at this stage. According to him, custodial arrest is typically undertaken to preserve evidence, conduct medical examinations, or prevent the accused from absconding.

“All three matters have become irrelevant after so many days, so there is no point in making an arrest now. However, if anything of that sort happens, we will extend full cooperation,” he added.

The Shankaracharya also said he had limited information about the case details and claimed that media personnel appeared to know more than he did. He maintained that no special legal team had been urgently called, though some lawyers had arrived voluntarily to offer support.

Invoking a reference from the Ramcharitmanas, he said that deceit and hypocrisy ultimately come to an end, citing an episode involving Ravana as a moral lesson.

He further pointed to extensive surveillance arrangements at Prayagraj during his earlier stay, noting that CCTV cameras had been installed widely and monitored from a control room.

“You can ask the officials how much was spent on CCTVs and where the footage is stored,” he said, suggesting that visual records could clarify events if required.

The case remains under investigation, with no official statement yet from the state authorities on the seer’s case.

A video shared widely on X has sparked anger across social media after it allegedly showed portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Padmini being used as washroom signage at Milan Banquet Hall in Sikri, Haryana.

The short clip, which quickly went viral, appears to show framed images of the revered historical figures placed on doors marked for men and women. The incident has triggered sharp reactions, with many calling it an insult to icons who are deeply respected across India.

Several users questioned how such portraits could have been used in a manner they described as insensitive and unacceptable. “Do they not have any manners about where to place photos of legends?” one user wrote.

Another post expressed anguish, saying that Shivaji Maharaj symbolised Swarajya while Rani Padmini chose sacrifice to protect her honour, and that using their faces on washroom doors felt like a wound to the sentiments of millions.

Some reactions went further, alleging deliberate intent and demanding strict punishment against the banquet hall management. A few users called for heavy penalties, while others urged authorities to intervene immediately and ensure removal of the portraits.

Many social media posts emphasised the need for an official clarification from the hall’s management. “Such usage is deeply insensitive and hurtful. Corrective action is urgently needed,” one comment read.

As of now, there has been no formal response from the banquet hall management or local authorities. It remains unclear whether the images were placed intentionally as signage or if they were part of decorative artwork later misused.

The controversy has once again highlighted how historical figures continue to hold emotional and cultural significance, and how any perceived slight can quickly ignite public sentiment in the age of viral media.

Mumbai, Feb 23: Gold and silver prices surged significantly on Monday, amid growing geopolitical tensions and the US dollar’s steep fall.

MCX gold April futures gained 1.83 per cent to Rs 1,59,749 per 10 grams on an intra-day basis. Meanwhile, MCX silver March futures gained 5.10 per cent to Rs 2,65,836 per kg.

Earlier in the day, gold had jumped 2 per cent while silver soared 6 per cent. Analysts attributed the surge to geopolitical tensions as US President Donald Trump’s 10-day deadline for a “meaningful deal” with Iran drew closer.

Iran has indicated it is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear programme in talks with the US in return for the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, as it seeks to avert a US attack.

Further, the dollar fell after the US Supreme Court struck down a vast swathe of President Trump’s tariffs on Friday.

“The US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down a large swath of Trump’s tariffs has weakened his ability to threaten and impose tariffs at a moment’s notice, but it won’t end gnawing uncertainty for trade partners or companies,” said Manav Modi, Commodities Analyst, Motilal Oswal Financial services Ltd.

“Silver is witnessing a large draw of inventories from all warehouses especially, Comex very significantly indicating the tightness in supply and surge in demand as China remains shut,” the analyst said.

Concerns over slowing US economic growth are also supporting gold’s safe-haven appeal. The US GDP rose 1.4 per cent annually in the fourth quarter, down from 4.4 per cent in the July-September quarter and 3.8 per cent in the April-June quarter.

“Gold has support at Rs 1,54,400 and Rs 1,53,150 while resistance at Rs 1,59,100 and Rs 1,60,600. MCX silver has support at Rs 2,48,800 and Rs 2,42,000, and resistance is at Rs 2,57,700 and Rs 2,63,620,” an analyst said.

Markets remain keen on data from US factory orders, cues on consumer confidence data, and US Producer Price Index (PPI) data.