'He watched girls through hostel CCTVs on phone' - Where is Swami Chaitanyananda hiding?

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the central figure in a sprawling sexual harassment and fraud case, had live remote access to CCTV footage from a women’s hostel on his mobile phone, an investigation has found. The seer, also known as Parthasarathy, is accused of harassing at least 17 students at a city-based management college where he was director.

According to a TOI report, he maintained his own accommodation within the hostel, a facility housing up to 75 students. Police sources allege he later tampered with the institute's digital video recorder (DVR) system, destroying critical CCTV evidence.

The scandal has exposed a pattern of alleged exploitation and financial malfeasance. The Sri Sringeri Math, which runs the institute, has stated that the accused and other conspirators were involved in multiple irregularities. These include fraud, forgery, cheating and criminal breach of trust.

The inquiry, detailed by TOI, reveals that Swami Chaitanyananda allegedly used institute funds to purchase high-end luxury vehicles. He reportedly used these cars to forcibly take female students out. Police have already seized a BMW and another sedan in connection with the case.

The swami is now a fugitive. Early leads placed him in Mumbai and police suspect he has altered his appearance to evade capture. Sources cited by TOI said that he was in London when the formal complaint was filed but returned to India afterwards. ‘We also found that he attempted to go abroad, but it did not happen,’ the sources added.

The First Information Report (FIR) paints a picture of an environment where students lived in grave fear. The swami is accused of indiscriminately threatening students with suspension and rustication. Parents were reportedly not allowed to intervene.

Police confirmed he installed cameras, which are believed to have surveilled lobby and washroom areas. Students alleged in their complaint that these were installed under the guise of security.

A former student from the 2013 batch stated that Parthasarathy would promise good marks, job placements and tours, often keeping girls waiting in his cabin for hours. As per TOI report, the former student also highlighted a key reason for the long silence: “The main reason this didn't come to light earlier is that the original certificates of the students were submitted with the institute and they were threatened that their certificates would not be returned.”

The management lodged a comprehensive criminal complaint with police on July 19, supported by over 300 pages of evidence. This was followed by a letter to Delhi Police on September 10. In it, the management claimed it was being defrauded of at least Rs 40 lakh every month based on fraudulent leases. The total misappropriation is believed to run into several crores of rupees.

Complaints were also filed with the director of the University Outreach Program and the Directorate of Education. As some victims were children of armed forces personnel, the Air Headquarters was also approached. These complaints were forwarded to the institute's management on August 1. It later emerged that one student had lodged her complaint a day earlier, on July 31.