Rajasthan: 10-Year-Old Boy Forced into Monastic Initiation! Activist Alleges—Collector, SP Were Informed But No Action Taken

Jalore – A deeply disturbing case has emerged from the Sayala area of Rajasthan’s Jalore district, where Jain monk Jayratna Suri and associated trusts of the Bhandavpur Jain pilgrimage site stand accused of forcibly initiating a 10-year-old boy from a poor non-Jain farming family in Bhagwanpura, Chhota Udaipur (Gujarat).

The case, brought to light by child rights and social activist Bheru Jain, has raised concerns about child rights violations, financial exploitation, and the alleged misuse of religious practices for illegal gains. Despite legal notices served to district administration and police officials, the two-day initiation ceremony proceeded as scheduled on June 4 and 5. The notice holds Jayratna Suri, along with the Shri Mahavir Jain Shwetambar Pedhi Trust, Shri Vardhman Jain Bhagyaodaya Trust Sangh, and the Diksha Mahotsav Organizing Committee, responsible for facilitating the commercialization of a minor under the guise of religious practices.

Speaking to The Mooknayak, Bheru Jain revealed that the minor belongs to an impoverished family in Gujarat, and his parents—Arvindbhai and Arunaben—reportedly "sold" their child in exchange for money, leading to his forced induction into monkhood. The monk is accused of luring the child with promises of moksha (liberation), a religious life, and spiritual allure. Jain argues that a child of this age is incapable of making such life-altering decisions—renouncing family, education, and embracing celibacy. There have been numerous cases where minors in ashrams have faced sexual abuse and forced labor.

According to the legal notice issued to Jalore’s District Collector on May 27, the parents were allegedly offered cash or other benefits, which activists equate to child trafficking and commercial exploitation.

Allegations of Financial Irregularities and Suppression

Local sources claim the boy’s parents were coerced into consenting under the lure of special benefits. When the matter came to light, media teams reached Bhandavpur Tirth, but trustees initially barred access to the monk. Later, limited interaction was permitted, but the boy was not presented, deepening suspicions.

The initiation ceremony also faces allegations of financial misconduct, with claims of heavy commercialization—auctioning rituals to the highest bidders and collecting crores in opaque donations. The legal notice alleges that funds were sourced through hawala channels, scam-accused individuals, and businessmen involved in tax evasion, trafficking, and money laundering—violating the Income Tax Act (1961), PMLA (2002), FCRA (2010), and the Benami Transactions Act. The lack of transparent accounts has prompted demands for investigations by the Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department, and state authorities into potential fraud under the guise of religious activity.

Complainant Bheru Jain expressed frustration over the district administration’s inaction, allowing the ceremony to conclude. He told The Mooknayak that his organization would consider further legal steps, including petitions before the High Court and criminal complaints under the IPC, Juvenile Justice Act, and POCSO Act. Complaints have also been filed with the National/State Commissions for Child Rights and Human Rights Commissions.

The Mooknayak has sought responses via email from Jalore Collector Dr. Pradeep Gawande and SP Gyanychandra Yadav regarding the complaints and actions taken. The report will be updated upon receiving official statements.