Self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Dr. Parthasarathy, remains absconding a month after allegations of sexual harassment surfaced at a private management institute in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj. Police have issued a lookout circular (LOC) to prevent him from leaving the country, with multiple teams in pursuit. Officials say he was last traced to Agra but has since been frequently changing locations and avoiding mobile phones to escape tracking.
Pattern of harassment
The case began when a 21-year-old scholarship student alleged that the 62-year-old Swami sent her late-night objectionable messages such as, “Baby, I love you. I adore you, you are looking beautiful today.” WhatsApp chats retrieved from other students’ phones show a similar pattern, with lewd texts including offers like “Come to my room… I’ll take you on a trip abroad, you won’t have to pay anything.”
Investigations reveal that at least 17 out of 32 female students interviewed accused him of sending obscene texts, using abusive language, and making unwanted advances. Many victims alleged threats of failing them if they refused his demands. Female staff members are also named in the FIR for allegedly coercing students to comply and pressuring them to delete the Swami’s messages. Some students were reportedly forced to change their names against their will.
Victims targeted
According to NDTV, Chaitanyananda primarily targeted students admitted under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota, believing they would be less likely to report him. The victims’ statements have been recorded before a magistrate.
Early complaints and alerts
The first formal alert came on July 31, when an alumnus of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management-Research reported the misconduct to management. Soon after, the Indian Air Force Directorate of Education flagged multiple complaints, as many of the students came from Air Force families.
The institute is affiliated with the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, which has since distanced itself, calling his conduct “inappropriate.”
Past cases and forgery charges
This is not the first time Chaitanyananda has faced serious charges. Molestation and fraud cases were filed against him in 2009, followed by another molestation case in 2016 at Vasant Kunj. Despite these, he continued to serve as chairman of the institute.
Police have now also booked him for forgery after discovering a Volvo car with fake diplomatic plates and nine forged number plates on campus. A second FIR for cheating and forgery was filed on August 25.
