‘Comply with his demands’: How Delhi ashram female staff forced students to obey Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati

The sexual harassment case against the absconding director of a Sringeri mutt-linked institute has taken a more sinister turn. New details reveal that female staff members allegedly pressured students to comply with the director's demands, according to a TOI report.

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the director of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, is wanted for allegedly molesting and harassing 17 female students. However, police investigations point to a culture of complicity within the institute's administration.

Role of female staff at Sri Sringeri institute



Police have recorded the statements of 32 students in connection with the case. A disturbing pattern emerged from their testimonies. Beyond the director's alleged actions, many students reportedly claimed that certain female faculty members and administrators actively abetted the harassment.

As reported by TOI, the students alleged that these staff members pressured them to comply with the demands of the accused godman. This alleged internal pressure created an environment where victims felt unable to report the misconduct.

Swami Chaitanyananda and the FIR


The primary accused, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, is currently absconding. A lookout circular has been issued and raids are underway across several states to locate him.

A case was registered against him at the Vasant Kunj (North) police station on August 4 under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The charges include sexual harassment, insulting the modesty of a woman and criminal intimidation.
Sri Sringeri institute severs ties

The institute, run by the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham, has since severed all ties with Saraswati. In an official statement, it said he had engaged in activities "illegal, inappropriate and detrimental to the interests" of the Peetham.

The police investigation continues to unfold. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and have sent video recorder hard disks to the Forensic Science Laboratory amid concerns of tampering.