By Madhav Kandhari: A storm has engulfed a prominent management institute in South Delhi after its director, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, was accused of sexually harassing students—most of them from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). What began as whispers among students has now escalated into a full-blown police investigation, shaking both the institute and its parent religious body.
Complaints Spark FIR
The scandal came to light after a complaint was lodged on August 4 at the Vasant Kunj
(North) police station by P.A. Murali, CEO of the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham
(Sringeri Math), Karnataka. The religious body oversees the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian
Management, which is affiliated with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
Even before the complaint, the Indian Air Force intervened. On July 31, the administration
received a letter from a former student who alleged she had been molested and harassed
by Chaitanyananda. This was followed by an email from a Group Captain, forwarding
multiple complaints from women students about inappropriate behavior, arbitrary
decisions, and threatening messages.
In response, the institute’s governing council held an online meeting with over 30 students
on August 3, where many came forward to share their experiences. Soon after, an FIR was
filed, naming Chaitanyananda and three women staff members, including the associate
dean, for allegedly assisting him and silencing students.
Targeting the Vulnerable
According to the police investigation, Chaitanyananda primarily targeted EWS students,
believing they would not resist due to financial and social pressures. Out of 32 statements
recorded, 17 students confirmed incidents of sexual harassment and coercion.
Many victims said their original educational certificates were withheld by the institute,
making them fearful of raising their voices. One student said, “When I resisted, my
attendance was manipulated, and marks were unfairly cut. Notices were issued to me for
no reason.”
WhatsApp chats recovered by police revealed explicit coercion:
“Come to my room. I will take you abroad for a trip, you won’t have to pay.”
“If you don’t listen to me, I will ensure you fail.”
“I love you, baby… I adore you. You are looking beautiful today.”
Victims further alleged that the women wardens pressured them to delete messages,
leaving little digital evidence behind. One recalled being forced to respond to texts because
“he is the Head and we can’t say no.”
Abuse Beyond Messages
The harassment was not confined to phone screens. Students reported being called into
his office late at night, subjected to inappropriate comments during outstation trips, and
even manipulated during religious events.
One victim recounted a trip to Rishikesh in March 2025, where the Swami, after purchasing
a new BMW, invited students for a ‘puja’. On the way back, he allegedly made repeated
offensive remarks. Others claimed they were denied permission to sit for exams if they
resisted his demands.
A History of Allegations
This is not the first time Chaitanyananda has faced legal trouble. Police records reveal a
pattern of misconduct spanning over a decade:
2009 – Accused of molestation and forgery.
2010 – Registered a fraudulent trust deed, making himself settlor of properties belonging to
the Peetham.
2016 – Again accused of molestation.
2022 – Obtained a fake identity card from the Prime Minister’s Office.
August 2025 – Booked for sexually harassing 17 women students.
Adding to the list, police recently impounded a red Volvo car with a fake UN diplomatic
number plate, along with nine other forged plates. The tampered CCTV footage from the
institute has been sent for forensic analysis.
On the Run
Since the FIR, Chaitanyananda has been absconding for over two months. He first fled to
London, later traveled to Mauritius, and was most recently traced to Agra. The Delhi Police
has issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) and is conducting raids in Uttar Pradesh and
Uttarakhand to track him down.
Officials confirmed that he had initially filed for anticipatory bail but withdrew the plea after
police presented strong evidence in court.
Students Caught in the Crossfire
For students, the scandal has left behind a trail of uncertainty. Many say their careers are at
stake as their documents are still held by the institute. “We were scared because our
families depend on us. Our future was in his hands,” one student told investigators.
The case highlights the dangers of unchecked power within educational institutions and
the vulnerability of students—especially those from weaker sections. While the police
continue their manhunt, the students’ demand is clear: justice and protection so their
academic futures are not destroyed by fear and silence.
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