New Delhi: Police have arrested Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, who had been absconding following multiple allegations of sexual harassment by students. The accused, formerly the Director of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, was taken into custody in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
The shocking allegations surfaced earlier this year, prompting the National Commission for Women to register a case against him. Several students alleged that the Swami sexually exploited them, including during foreign trips where he often compelled them to accompany him. Some students further revealed that they were forced to discontinue their studies due to persistent threats and harassment.
The controversy began on July 28 when a student from the PGDM 2023 batch lodged a complaint with the institute. The complaint was reportedly triggered by an email from a senior officer of the Indian Air Force, whose children and relatives were enrolled at the institute.
On August 1, an Air Force officer of Group Captain rank sent a detailed complaint via email. Two days later, on August 3, the institute’s newly formed Governing Council convened a virtual meeting with 30 students. During the session, several participants shared disturbing details, including instances of harassment. Based on these testimonies, the institute formally filed a police complaint on August 4.
The investigation has since uncovered damning evidence. Police found secret cameras installed near the girls’ hostel washrooms, with explicit footage reportedly recovered from the Swami’s phone. Authorities also revealed that his close aides frequently seized students’ mobile phones to check messages and prevent them from taking screenshots of inappropriate texts. More than 50 devices have been handed over to the forensic department for examination.
According to the FIR, poor female students were pressured—sometimes by women staff members—to visit Chaitanyananda’s residence at night. Students also testified that those who resisted harassment faced reprisals, including being barred from examinations.
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