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Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati faces sexual harassment claims; Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam cuts ties. Police are investigating.
Police have launched a search to nab Chaitanyananda Saraswati. (Image: ANI)
The director of a Delhi-based ashram is under police scanner for allegedly sexually harassing over a dozen students. Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, director of Sri Sharadha Institute of Indian Management-Research, has been accused of harassing students pursuing management diploma courses on EWS scholarships.
Following the scandal, the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, which runs the institute, has immediately removed him from his position as director of at the institute.
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“Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami (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. Sringeri (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 Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati..,” the ashram said in a statement.
Who Is Chaitanyananda Saraswati?
Originally from Odisha, Chaitanyananda Saraswati was previously known as Swami Parthasarathy. The self-styled godman had been living in the ashram at Vasant Kunj area for the past 12 years, serving as its caretaker and operator.
Chaitanyananda Saraswati Booked
Further, a case has been registered at Vasant Kunj North Police Station, based on the statements of the girls.
According to the sources, the accused swami has a luxury car with a fake number plate bearing UN number. The car has been impounded, and upon further investigation, it was found that no such number has been issued.
The complaint was registered by PA Murli, the administrator of Sri Sringeri Math. As per the complaint, it was alleged that a PGDM student from the institute was sexually harassed.
Ashram Severe Ties With Accused
Releasing a statement, the ashram said, “Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy, has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate… As a result, the Peeth has severed all ties with him… (It) has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding illegal acts committed by Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati.”
During inquiry, 32 female students recorded their statements in front of the police. Out of the 32 students, 17 alleged that they were verbally abused, being subjected to obscene videos and unwarranted physical contact as well, sources reported.
The students have further alleged that the women faculty also forced the student to comply with the demands of the accused director.
Delhi Police have seized the CCTV footage and other digital devices such as hard disks and NVRs. The evidence has been sent for forensic testing.
Past Cases Of Self-Styled Godman
However, this is not the first time Chaitanyananda Saraswati has faced serious allegations; he has previously been accused of both molestation and fraud. In 2009, a case of fraud and molestation was registered against him in Defence Colony. Later, in 2016, a woman filed a molestation complaint in Vasant Kunj, leading to another police case, according to a report in India Today.
Authorities are now reviewing these earlier cases as part of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the accused is still at large. Several police teams are searching for him. The accused’s location is being traced by the police.
About the Author
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More
September 24, 2025, 17:56 IST
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