Delhi ashram head Swami Chaitanyananda's dark past - from fraud to molestation

The director of a private management institute in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, identified as Chinmayanad Saraswati, is at the centre of fresh allegations of sexually harassing women students. The case has brought the self-styled godman’s controversial past back into the spotlight, with earlier complaints of fraud and molestation now under renewed scrutiny.

Saraswati, also known as Parthasarthi or Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, has been accused of targeting students enrolled under the EWS scholarship scheme at the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management.

Police say between 12 and 15 students have come forward with allegations. A formal complaint was filed on August 4, 2025 by PA Murli, administrator of Sri Sringeri Math & Its Properties and investigators have since recorded statements from 32 women. Of these, 17 accused him of obscene messages, abusive language and unwanted physical advances.

What makes the current case more explosive is Saraswati’s history. According to TOI, his name has figured in at least two previous incidents.

In 2009, a case of fraud and molestation was registered against him in Defence Colony. Seven years later, in 2016, another woman filed a molestation complaint in Vasant Kunj, prompting police to open an investigation. Authorities have now begun reviewing these older cases alongside the latest accusations.

During the ongoing probe, investigators seized a luxury Volvo car belonging to Saraswati from the institute’s basement. The vehicle carried a forged diplomatic UN number plate reading “39 UN 1.” A separate FIR was registered on 25 August in connection with the fake plates, TOI reported.

Police have also raided several locations, reviewed CCTV footage and sent digital material for forensic examination. Statements of 16 victims have been recorded before a magistrate at Patiala House Courts.

The Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, has moved quickly to distance itself from Saraswati, calling his alleged actions “illegal, inappropriate and detrimental to the interests of the Peetham.” It stressed that the institute is governed by a council chaired by Krishna Venkatesh, tasked with safeguarding student welfare.

Saraswati remains on the run, with police appealing for public assistance to trace him.