Delhi Police are on the hunt for Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a swami accused of sexual harassment at a management institute in Vasant Kunj, south Delhi. The case stems from complaints by female students who say he sent obscene WhatsApp and SMS messages, used abusive language, and made unwanted physical contact.
Out of 32 female students whose statements police recorded, 17 detailed these allegations. They also claim that female faculty members and administrators at the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management pressured them to give in to the accused’s demands. One student even says she was forced to change her name.
The trouble unfolded at this institute, which offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Management under scholarships for economically weaker sections. It’s linked to the Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri, but that organization cut all ties with Saraswati—formerly known as Dr. Parthasarathy—back in 2008. They revoked his powers of attorney and recently slammed his “illegal and inappropriate” actions in a public statement, while filing their own complaints with authorities.
It all came to light after a student and an Air Force officer alerted the Peetham in late July and early August 2024 about alleged sexual misconduct. The group’s governing council then held a virtual meeting on August 3 with more than 30 women students. They described traumatic experiences, including pressure to visit Saraswati’s quarters at night, threats to withhold degrees and documents, and lewd surveillance cameras installed in the women’s hostel under the guise of security. Students from poorer backgrounds felt especially targeted, and some say complaints were ignored while parents couldn’t step in effectively. Threats of suspension kept many quiet.
Police acted quickly, registering an FIR at Vasant Kunj North Police Station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for sexual harassment. They also nabbed a luxury car with a fake diplomatic UN number plate linked to the institute—prompting a separate FIR—and impounded it.
Aishwarya Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police for South West Delhi, told reporters the investigation is moving forward. “We’re recording victim statements as required by law and doing everything to arrest the accused,” she said. Teams are digging into the roles of wardens and staff, scouring digital evidence like messages, and searching the premises legally. Victim statements have already gone before a judicial magistrate.
On Thursday, officers showed up at the Vasant Kunj institute to push the probe further. This shocking Vasant Kunj molestation case has rattled Delhi, highlighting serious concerns about student safety in educational spaces. Delhi Police say the investigation continues, with more details expected soon.
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