Self-Styled Godman Chaitanyananda Faces 5-Day Police Custody After Sexual Harassment and Financial Fraud Allegations

The custody order was announced by Duty Magistrate Ravi in Delhi court.

A Delhi court has placed Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a 62-year-old self-proclaimed godman, in five-day police custody for interrogation regarding sexual harassment allegations.

Duty Magistrate Ravi delivered the ruling after Saraswati was apprehended at an Agra hotel on Sunday morning and presented before the court that afternoon.

Prosecutors alleged that Saraswati had molested numerous women and demanded sexual favors while serving as chairman of a management institute in southwest Delhi. The prosecution stated that victim testimonies corroborated these accusations.

"He threatened the victims and installed surveillance cameras to monitor their movements, including in bathroom areas. Approximately 16 girls have filed complaints, with additional allegations requiring verification," the prosecution argued during proceedings.

Defense counsel challenged the need for custodial interrogation, noting that all complainants had already provided statements. "Authorities have confiscated my client's phones, iPad, and personal belongings. My client suffers from diabetes and anxiety issues, and has been denied permission to wear his monk's robes. Police custody appears intended solely for harassment," the defense attorney contended.

The complainants' representative emphasized that police custody was necessary to confront the accused with victim statements and digital evidence. "One witness specifically stated she would face retaliation if she complained. The investigation remains in its early stages and risks being compromised. A separate FIR for fraud has been registered, with the accused's anticipatory bail application already rejected."

The complainants' advocate further noted, "This represents his first cooperation with investigators in two months. The accused has refused to provide passwords for his iPad and iCloud accounts. Mere seizure of devices is insufficient for a thorough investigation."

Authorities have frozen approximately Rs 8 crore ($1.1 million) distributed across multiple bank accounts and fixed deposits connected to Saraswati.

According to the FIR, Saraswati allegedly compelled female students to visit his quarters during late hours and sent inappropriate messages at unusual times. Investigators discovered he monitored students' movements through his phone.

The investigation revealed that Saraswati allegedly operated multiple bank accounts under different identities and withdrew over Rs 50 lakh ($67,000) after the FIR was filed. Police discovered he had submitted varying personal details when opening these accounts.

Investigators also recovered counterfeit visiting cards suggesting affiliations with the United Nations and BRICS organizations.