New Delhi: A self-styled godman, once associated with a reputed religious organisation, is at the centre of a police investigation after several female students of a management institute here accused him of sexual harassment.
The accused — Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy — has so far evaded arrest despite raids and surveillance.
According to a senior police officer, a complaint was filed on 4 August at Vasant Kunj North Police Station against Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati regarding sexual harassment of female students pursuing PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) courses under the EWS scholarship at Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management.
During the enquiry, statements of 32 female students were recorded, of which 17 alleged that the accused used abusive language, sent obscene WhatsApp and SMS messages, and made unwanted physical contact.
The victims further alleged that some women serving as faculty or administrators abetted the accused and pressured them to comply with his demands, the officer added.
A case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and 16 victims later deposed before a magistrate. Investigators have also analysed CCTV footage and conducted multiple raids at the institute as well as at addresses linked to the accused. Despite repeated efforts, the accused remains at large.
During the investigation, a Volvo car was discovered in the basement of the institute. Verification revealed that the car, bearing a forged diplomatic number plate, was used by Saraswati.
A separate case was registered on 25 August at VK North Police Station, and the vehicle was seized.
Police sources said that multiple teams are keeping a strict vigil at airports and conducting raids at known hideouts in Delhi and neighbouring states to prevent the accused from fleeing the country.
Statements from students, faculty members, and staff are being cross-verified, while digital evidence, including messages and call records, has been collected as part of the investigation.
“The allegations are serious, involving multiple victims, and we are pursuing the case with priority,” said an officer.
Meanwhile, the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, with which Saraswati was previously associated, has issued a public statement distancing itself from him.
“The public is hereby informed that 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 statement read.
It further stated that the Peetham has lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding the illegal acts committed by Saraswati.
The statement added that the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved the running of Sri Sharadha Institute of Indian Management-Research in the name of the Peetham at Plot No. 7, Institutional Area, Phase II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
“The Peetham administers the institution through a Governing Council, chaired by Dr Krishna Venkatesh, a respected educationist, along with other distinguished individuals. The Governing Council is actively taking steps to ensure the welfare of students and to prevent any disruption to the ongoing educational programmes,” the statement concluded.
