By Vidhi Thacker
A self-proclaimed godman named Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Partha Sarthy, from Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, has been accused by more than 15 women of molestation. He was once connected to the Sri Sringeri Math and the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, but the Math has cut all connections with Chaitanyananda and removed him from the post of director while multiple cases have been registered against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He was registered at the ashram for the last 12 years and worked there as a caretaker and operator.
This is not the first time such allegations have come up against him. Along with charges of molestation, he has also faced accusations of fraud. In 2009, a case involving both fraud and molestation was registered against him in Defence Colony. In 2016, another complaint of molestation was filed by a woman in Vasant Kunj, leading to a fresh police case.
Delhi Police have now filed a sexual harassment case against Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati after multiple women students accused him of misconduct. Investigators said that 32 students gave their statements, with at least 17 alleging that the accused used obscene language, sent vulgar messages and tried to make unwanted physical contact. Some survivors said that women faculty members and staff pressured them to obey his instructions, while a few hostel wardens reportedly introduced students to him, according to NDTV.
Following these statements, a case was registered against him under sections relating to sexual harassment. South-West District DCP Amit Goyal confirmed the action, saying police had checked CCTV footage and carried out searches at the ashram and at the accused’s residence. Despite these efforts, he has not been arrested yet. Sources said he was last traced near Agra and several teams are trying to find him.
During the inquiry, police also found a Volvo car in the institute’s basement that was allegedly used by Chaitanyananda. Checks showed it had a fake diplomatic number plate marked 39 UN 1. The car has been seized.