Delhi Spiritual Leader Accused of Sexual Harassment: Multiple Students Allege Years of Misconduct at Prestigious Institute

The police investigation into sexual harassment allegations at a prominent Delhi educational and spiritual institution has expanded, revealing troubling new evidence against Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the 52-year-old director of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj.

According to an FIR filed in August 2025, multiple female students have accused the self-styled spiritual leader - born Partha Sarathy in Odisha - of systematic harassment, coercion, and intimidation. Investigators have recovered WhatsApp messages showing he allegedly addressed young students with inappropriate terms like "Baby," "I love you," "I adore you," and made comments about their physical appearance.

The FIR details how one student's ordeal began shortly after her October 2024 admission. She claims Saraswati first summoned her before Diwali, looking at her in what she described as a "strange" and "demotivating" manner.

In December, after she suffered a hairline fracture from a fall in the hostel, Saraswati reportedly instructed her to send her X-ray report to his personal mobile phone. This marked the beginning of inappropriate and coercive messaging, according to the complaint.

The student told investigators she regularly received unsolicited personal remarks, including: "You are looking beautiful today" and "I adore you." She was allegedly threatened with reduced marks and official notices if she failed to respond.

In March 2025, under the pretext of performing a religious ceremony for a new BMW car, Saraswati allegedly summoned her to his quarters. That night, he reportedly sent additional messages urging her to meet him in person.

Three female staff members - identified as Shweta, Bhavana, and Kajal - allegedly pressured the complainant to delete these exchanges and even drafted an apology email on her behalf.

The FIR states that during Holi celebrations, students were allegedly required to line up and apply color to Saraswati first. Later, one complainant reported being summoned to his office, where he forcibly recorded a video and made objectionable comments.

Additional allegations include incidents during a June 2025 trip to Rishikesh, where several students claim they were called at unusual hours and subjected to molestation. Those who resisted reportedly faced academic penalties, including exam restrictions or reduced marks.

Investigators say WhatsApp chats and phone records collected from nearly 50 female students suggest harassment and intimidation spanning over 16 years.

This isn't Saraswati's first encounter with such accusations. Police records indicate he evaded earlier molestation charges in 2009 and 2016, reportedly using his influence to avoid prosecution.

In the current case, 17 women collectively filed complaints at Defence Colony Police Station in early August. Initially believed to be in London, Saraswati was later traced to Agra. He filed for anticipatory bail in the Delhi High Court but withdrew the application within days.

Delhi Police have conducted raids across multiple states including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. A Lookout Circular has been issued to prevent him from leaving the country. Saraswati remains at large.