Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a self-styled sanyasi, stands accused of molesting at least 17 female students at a private institute in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj. According to multiple testimonies, he allegedly asked students intrusive questions about their sexual relationships, including whether they used condoms, and subjected them to persistent harassment.
The allegations have emerged from students of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, where Chaitanyananda served as a sanchalak (management committee member). A report by Hindustan Times noted that students accused him of installing CCTV cameras across the women’s hostel, including in areas near bathrooms, under the guise of security—while allegedly retaining remote access to the feeds.
Beyond surveillance, the sanyasi is accused of sending late-night WhatsApp messages such as “Baby, I love you” and “I adore you.” Several students recounted instances of public humiliation: one student from Haryana was branded “characterless” for having a boyfriend, while another was seen fleeing his office in tears with her clothes torn.
On the festival of Holi, students allege they were forced to line up, bow before Chaitanyananda, and allow him to apply colour to their cheeks and hair parting before anyone else. Students also claim the institute demanded they submit their original educational documents, which were withheld from those who resisted or attempted to complain.
Reports suggest that the institute’s staff exerted pressure on victims to delete evidence, draft apology emails, and refrain from filing formal complaints.
Alleged Pattern of Misconduct
Students have further alleged that Chaitanyananda organised trips under the pretext of performing religious rituals or pujas. During one such trip, after acquiring a new BMW, he allegedly made inappropriate remarks. In another incident, he reportedly recorded a video in his office and sent it back to a student with the message: “You are looking beautiful.”
According to Outlook, several students said they were forcibly summoned to his quarters late at night. Others claimed they were coerced by both the sanyasi and female faculty members to comply with his demands. Moneycontrol reported one student’s account that when she ignored his WhatsApp messages, earlier messages were repeatedly tagged to pressure her into replying. In another case, after a student suffered a hairline fracture, he allegedly asked her to send her X-ray to his personal phone, after which inappropriate messages began. When she resisted, she was threatened with manipulated attendance and reduced marks.
Previous Allegations and Police Action
This is not the first time Chaitanyananda has faced such charges. Complaints of molestation had previously been filed against him in 2009 and 2016. In the current case, following the filing of a complaint, he reportedly fled. Authorities have since issued a lookout circular.
During police searches at the institute, officers seized a red Volvo car bearing a fake “UN” diplomatic license plate (39 UN 1) from the basement. Investigators allege that the vehicle was used by the accused.
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