Delhi Godman Sexual Harassment Case: How Chaitanyananda Saraswati Evaded Capture for 50 Days

New Delhi:

Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the self-proclaimed godman facing allegations of sexual harassment from at least 17 women at a Delhi management institute, strategically changed accommodations 15 times during his 50 days as a fugitive. Police sources reveal that he deliberately chose budget hotels without surveillance cameras to avoid detection. His associates reportedly selected these lodging facilities, and authorities are currently searching for these accomplices.

The 62-year-old suspect was finally apprehended at an Agra hotel early Sunday and remains in police custody. According to sources, he is being uncooperative during interrogation, providing inadequate responses to questions. Chaitanyananda reportedly tells investigators he feels anxious and insists all accusations against him are unfounded. He claims to have forgotten passwords to his electronic devices. Forensic experts are now examining three mobile phones and an iPad seized from him as part of the investigation.

The disturbing case of Chaitanyananda's alleged exploitation of female students from disadvantaged backgrounds emerged when an alumnus sent a letter to the administration of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management-Research in Delhi's Vasant Kunj. The letter, received on July 31, detailed accusations of sexual harassment perpetrated by Chaitanyananda against students.

The following day, the institute received correspondence from a Group Captain in the Air Force's Directorate of Education highlighting complaints from multiple students who accused Chaitanyananda of intimidation and sending inappropriate messages. The Air Force became involved because many students at the institute came from Air Force families.

Subsequently, institute officials approached law enforcement and filed a formal complaint against Chaitanyananda. Police documented student statements and registered an FIR. The institute revoked Chaitanyananda's power of attorney and established a new eleven-member governing council. By this time, Chaitanyananda had already fled the premises.

Prior to the sexual harassment allegations becoming public, the institute had already filed a complaint against Chaitanyananda on charges of fraud, forgery, cheating, and criminal breach of trust.

Among the disturbing allegations, students claim Chaitanyananda installed surveillance cameras in the women's hostel to monitor them and coerced them into accompanying him on international trips. Students also accused the institute's associate dean and other staff members of pressuring them to comply with Chaitanyananda's inappropriate advances. Three institute employees have been named as co-conspirators in the case against the self-styled godman.