New Delhi: Self-styled sanyasi Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, director of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in southwest Delhi, is under investigation following allegations of sexual harassment against multiple female students. CCTV cameras were reportedly installed on the institute premises under the pretext of security, while staff close to him allegedly pressured students to comply with his demands and ignored their complaints.
The allegations surfaced after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Chaitanyananda, accusing him of sexually harassing students at the institute. According to the FIR, Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, revoked the Powers of Attorney granted to him in 2008 and severed all ties with him.
How an IAF Letter Triggered the Investigation
The FIR notes that two letters—one from a student and another from an Air Force officer—reached the Peetham in late July and early August, flagging alleged sexual misconduct by Chaitanyananda. Many students at the institute come from Air Force families, prompting complaints to the Air Force headquarters.
Acting on these letters, the Governing Council of the Peetham conducted a virtual meeting on August 3 with over 30 female students. The students alleged sexual harassment, including coercion of economically disadvantaged students to visit Chaitanyananda’s quarters at night. The FIR also cited threats, lewd messages via WhatsApp and SMS, coercion to change names, and threats of suspension or withholding degrees.
Allegations of Forced Trips and Improper Conduct
The FIR further alleged that Chaitanyananda compelled female students to accompany him on trips, including overseas visits, and demanded late-night meetings in his quarters. Students who refused were allegedly threatened with suspension, rustication, or withholding of academic documents. Shweta, the associate dean, and two others were named as accomplices in facilitating these acts.
Several students reported receiving inappropriate messages from Chaitanyananda. A 21-year-old scholarship student alleged that following their first meeting last year, he sent her objectionable texts late at night, including comments on her appearance and personal messages pressuring her to respond.
Response from Sri Sharada Peetham
In an official statement, Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, condemned Chaitanyananda’s actions:
“Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Dr. Parthasarathy, has engaged in illegal and inappropriate activities detrimental to the interests of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham. The Peetham has severed all ties with him and lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding his illegal acts.”
Police Investigation
The initial complaint was filed on August 4 at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station. Police recorded statements from 32 female students, 17 of whom alleged abusive language, obscene messages, and unwanted physical advances. Some faculty members were also accused of pressuring students to comply with Chaitanyananda’s demands.
A case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and 16 complainants later deposed before a magistrate. A second FIR was filed on August 25, and Chaitanyananda’s vehicle was seized. Police report that he has been evading arrest, prompting the formation of multiple teams to track him, including surveillance at airports to prevent him from leaving the country.
The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting issues of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and institutional accountability within educational institutions linked to religious organisations.
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