New details have emerged in the ongoing investigation against Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the self-styled godman accused of sexually harassing more than a dozen women at his Delhi ashram.
Authorities have recovered multiple chats from his mobile phone in which he attempted to lure women with promises, exposing a calculated predatory pattern.
The authorities have also found that the accused had saved photos of several women, including cabin crew members, on his phone, along with screenshots of their social media profiles.
In addition, two women associates of Chaitanyananda have been detained and confronted with him as part of the ongoing probe.
According to a report by NDTV, Chaitanyananda, also known as Partha Sarathy, has not been cooperating during the investigation. “He is providing answers only when confronted with irrefutable evidence and has repeatedly lied during interrogation,” an officer said. “There is no remorse in his statements or conduct.”
Chaitanyananda, a former director of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj, is alleged to have harassed students through abusive language, lewd messages, and forced physical contact. He is also accused of secretly installing cameras in the women’s hostel, intensifying the gravity of the allegations.
The godman had been evading arrest for weeks, even after victims recorded their statements with the police. He was finally apprehended two days ago from a hotel in Agra after 50 days on the run.
In addition to sexual harassment, Chaitanyananda is facing allegations of fraud, including forging visiting cards and passports. Police have recovered two counterfeit visiting cards claiming him to be a United Nations and BRICS ambassador.
The allegations came to light after an alumnus of the institute wrote to its management, accusing him of sexually harassing students. Subsequently, an Air Force official highlighted complaints from several students, alleging threats and offensive messages.
At least 17 women, primarily post-graduate management diploma students from economically weaker sections, recorded their statements against him. Following the complaints, the institute expelled Chaitanyananda.
Authorities have also arrested Hari Singh Kopkoti, 38, a close aide of the accused, for allegedly threatening the father of one of the victims to prevent the case from proceeding.
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