Delhi: Vasant Kunj Ashram director booked for molesting 17 students, Volvo car with fake UN number plate seized

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management is still at large and was last located near Agra. After the accusations surfaced, the ashram administration has removed him from his position and is cooperating with the investigation. (Image credit: X)

The director of a well-known ashram in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area has been accused of sexual harassment by over a dozen female students, said police. Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, alias Parth Sarathy, of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management, has been accused of harassing students pursuing management diploma courses with scholarship in the economic weaker sections (EWS) category.

According to a report by NDTV, the police said at least 17 female students have accused Swami Chaitanyananda of using abusive language, sending lewd text messages, and forced physical contact. The victims, in the complaint, also alleged that some women faculty and administrative staff also pressured the students to comply with the demands of the accused.

The students further stated that some wardens working at the ashram introduced them to the accused. Based on their statements, a case of sexual harassment and other charges was registered against Swami Chaitanyananda, Amit Goyal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South-West District, was quoted by NDTV as saying.

As per the report, the police have also analysed CCTV footages and carried out raids at the place of crime as well as the accused's address. However, the accused is still at large and was last located near Agra.

After the accusations surfaced, the ashram administration has removed him from his position and is cooperating with the investigation.

During the investigation, police also recovered a luxury red Volvo car belonging to the accused. The vehicle was found with a fake United Nations number plate (39 UN 1). Authorities confirmed that the number was not issued by the UN and had been fabricated by the accused, the report added.