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A self-styled godman, also the director of Sri Sharada Institute in Delhi, has been booked for sexually harassing multiple female students, including sending lewd messages.
Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati/Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in New Delhi (Photos: News18/PTI)
Self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati got CCTV cameras installed on the premises of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in southwest Delhi on the pretext of security, while some people close to him allegedly compelled female students to comply with his demands while turning a blind eye to their complaints.
The revelations came after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered in the case, accusing Chaitanyananda – the director of the institute – of sexual harassment of multiple female students there.
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An excerpt from the FIR mentioned that the Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, revoked the Powers of Attorney issued to the accused in 2008, and severed all ties with him.
HOW AN IAF LETTER BUSTED DELHI BABA
Two letters, posted by a student and an Air Force officer, were received by the Peetham towards the end of July and in the first week of August.
These letters were the first to flag sexual atrocities committed by the Chaitanyananda, as per the FIR.
Acting on the letters, the Governing Council of the Peetham held a virtual meeting with over 30 women students at the institute on August 3.
In the meeting, the students alleged that they were sexually harassed and traumatised, with claims that those from economically weaker sections were allegedly pressured to visit Chaitanyananda Saraswati’s quarters at night.
The FIR also mentioned allegations of lewd messages sent via WhatsApp and SMS to multiple female students, along with threats of withholding their degrees and documents. A case of a student being forced to change her name was also noted.
The students also alleged they were threatened with suspension.
BABA FORCED FEMALE STUDENTS TO ACCOMPANY HIM ON TRIPS
The FIR, accessed by CNN-News18, also mentioned that Chaitanyananda used to force female students to accompany him on his trips, even outside the country.
During these trips, the students were asked to visit the accused in his room during the late hours, and those who turned down his requests were threatened with holding back their degrees and documents, and with suspensions and rustications.
One Shweta, identified as the associate dean at the institute, along with two others, was named as an accomplice in the FIR.
DELHI BABA SENT INAPPROPRIATE MESSAGES TO STUDENTS
As multiple women came forward, accusing Chaitanyananda of sexual misconduct, one of them disclosed that the accused sent her objectionable texts after their first meeting, and even forced her to respond.
A statement by a 21-year-old scholarship student mentioned that she first interacted with the self-styled godman and chairman of the institute last year, when he was the chancellor there.
The woman alleged that Chaitanyananda looked at her “weirdly” during their first meeting.
As she texted him to share her medical reports after she had sustained some injuries, the accused responded during the odd hours, and his message read, “Baby, I love you. I adore you, you are looking beautiful today.”
The woman alleged that Chaitanyananda also complimented her over her hair.
Further, the woman alleged the accused tagged his earlier text in a separate message, urging her to reply.
STATEMENT BY SRI SHARADA PEETHAM
Soon after the incident came to light, the Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, in an official statement, mentioned, “Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Dr Parthasarathy, has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham.”
“As a result, the Peetham has severed all ties with him. The Peetham has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding illegal acts committed by Chaitanyananda Saraswati,” the letter mentioned.
DELHI ASHRAM MOLESTATION CASE DETAILS
The complaint against the self-styled godman was first filed on August 4 at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station. According to the police, the accused was a sanchalak (member of the management committee) at the institute, news agency PTI reported.
While the police recorded the statements of a total of 32 female students, 17 of them alleged that Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene messages, and made unwanted physical advances.
PTI quoted the police as saying that some faculty members, including women, also pressured the students to comply with his demands.
A case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with 16 complainants later deposing before a magistrate.
Another FIR against him was lodged on August 25, and his vehicle was seized. Police said the accused has been evading arrest since.
Police said efforts are underway to trace Saraswati, and multiple teams have been formed. PTI also quoted sources as saying that teams were keeping a strict vigil at airports to prevent him from fleeing the country.
ALSO READ | Molestation Cases, Car With Fake UN Plate: Delhi Ashram Scandal Puts ‘Godman’ Chaitanyananda In Spotlight
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
September 25, 2025, 12:49 IST
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