Accused Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati
NEW DELHI: Allegations of sexual harassment against Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, director of a reputed institute in Vasant Kunj, have snowballed into a full-blown police case after over 15 girl students came forward with detailed complaints. Delhi Police confirmed on Tuesday that the accused is absconding but has been traced near Agra.Sleazy WhatsApp chats under probePolice have accessed WhatsApp and SMS messages that shed light on the director’s methods of harassment. According to police, Chaitanyananda would routinely message female students, asking them to meet him privately and making coercive promises or threats.Chats revealed how he:
- Told students to “come to my room” on various pretexts.
- Tried to lure them with offers: “I’ll take you abroad on trips, I’ll pay for all the trips.”
- Threatened: “I’ll fail you if you don’t listen to me.”
- Blackmailed them by saying he would deliberately fail them in exams if they resisted.
New Delhi: A security guard at the premises of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, in New Delhi. Delhi Police has booked a self-styled godman, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, after several female students of the institute accused him of sexual harassment. According to police sources, the accused is a member of the management committee of the institute. (PTI Photo)
Students’ allegations go beyond messagesThe harassment was not limited to chats. According to the police:
- Several students reported unwelcome and inappropriate physical contact.
- Victims alleged they were pressured by faculty and administrators to remain silent or comply with the director’s demands.
- Many said their complaints were either ignored or suppressed, creating an atmosphere of fear.
- Police said that 32 female students’ statements were recorded. Out of these, 17 students specifically alleged abusive language, obscene messages, and physical harassment.
Case registered, probe widensA case has been registered under sections 75(2)/79/351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Vasant Kunj North police station. Statements of over 15 students have been recorded under Section 183 BNSS before a magistrate, while 16 more statements were documented under Section 83 BNSS before the Patiala House Court magistrate.Delhi Police have analyzed CCTV footage, collected NVRs and hard disks from the SRISIIM Institute, and sent them to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for examination.Luxury car with fake UN plate seizedDuring the investigation, police found a Volvo luxury car parked in the basement of the institution. Shockingly, the car bore a forged UN diplomatic number plate (39 UN 1). Authorities confirmed no such number had ever been issued.DCP (South West) Amit Goel said: “The accused has been traced near Agra and he will be arrested soon.”(With agency inputs)