Who is Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati? The self-styled godman accused of molesting 17 students in Delhi

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswasti, director of a private engineering institute, has been booked for allegedly molesting multiple female students in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj.

The self-styled godman, also known as Parth Sarthy, has been accused of harassing 17 students pursuing management diploma courses with scholarship in the economic weaker sections (EWS) category at the institute.

He is currently absconding and was last located near Agra, Delhi Police said. According to the police, a complaint was received at Vasant Kunj North police station on August 4 from an administrator of the institution against Chaitanyananda Saraswati, alleging sexual harassment of female students.

The police further said during enquiry, statements of 32 female students were recorded, out of which 17 alleged abusive language, obscene WhatsApp/SMS messages and unwanted physical contact by the accused.

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.

Accordingly, a case was registered and investigation was taken up. CCTV footage were analyzed and several raids were conducted at the place of incident as well as at the addresses of the alleged person.

Volvo car with fake UN number plate seized

During the investigation, police also recovered a luxury red Volvo car belonging to the accused parked in the basement of the institution.

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 Chaitanyanand Saraswati.

Ashram administration cut ties

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

Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya of Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, in a statement said, "Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Dr. Parthasarathy, has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham. Sringeri (Peetham). As a result, the Peetham has severed all ties with him. The Peetham has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding illegal acts committed by Chaitanyananda Saraswati."