Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Partha Sarathy, the director of the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, has been accused of sexually harassing multiple women students, police said.
Investigators recorded statements from 32 students, of whom 17 alleged that Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene WhatsApp and SMS messages, and made unwanted physical advances. The complainants were pursuing postgraduate diploma courses under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) scholarship scheme.
Several students said they were pressured by faculty and administrative staff to comply with his demands, stated the police. Victims also alleged that some hostel wardens facilitated introductions with the accused.
Police registered a case of sexual harassment and other offences based on the students’ statements. “We have lodged a case against Chaitanyananda Saraswati and teams are searching for him. He remains at large,” said Amit Goyal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South-West District.
The first complaint was filed on 4 August at Vasant Kunj North Police Station. Later, on 25 August, a separate case of forgery and cheating was registered after investigators discovered a Volvo car in the institute’s basement with a fake diplomatic number plate, 39 UN 1. The car was allegedly used by Saraswati and has been seized.
The Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetha, Sringeri, which runs the Delhi facility, has expelled Saraswati and distanced itself from him. In a statement, it said, The conduct and activities of Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati were illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the Peetha’s interests. We have severed all connections with him.”
Reports suggest the self-styled godman was last traced near Agra. Police have analysed CCTV footage, raided several locations, and sent seized material for forensic examination.
