Delhi Godman Arrested: Self-Styled Baba Chaitanyananda Charged with Sexual Harassment and Fraud

New Delhi:

Fresh evidence has emerged in the investigation against the self-proclaimed godman accused of sexually harassing numerous women at a Delhi ashram. Police investigations have uncovered multiple conversations with women on Chaitanyananda Saraswati's mobile phone that reveal his predatory behavior. These chats show him attempting to entice women with various promises.

According to police findings, Chaitanyananda, also known as Partha Sarathy, had stored photographs of himself with several female cabin crew members on his device. Additionally, he had saved screenshots of social media profile pictures belonging to numerous women.

Authorities have taken two female associates into custody and confronted them with the accused godman during interrogation.

The suspect previously served as director of the privately-operated Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj. He faces allegations of using abusive language, sending inappropriate messages to women, and forcing physical contact. Additional accusations include secretly installing surveillance cameras in the women's hostel.

Chaitanyananda had been avoiding arrest for weeks after victims provided statements to police. He was finally apprehended two days ago at a hotel in Agra after evading authorities for 50 days.

Police report that he is not assisting with the investigation and has been deceptive during questioning. He only responds to inquiries when presented with undeniable evidence.

Investigators noted that he displays no remorse for his actions.

The godman also stands accused of involvement in various fraudulent activities, including the forgery of visiting cards and passports. Police discovered two counterfeit visiting cards in his possession that falsely identified him as ambassadors for the United Nations and BRICS.

The allegations against Chaitanyananda surfaced when an alumnus contacted the management of the private institute he directed, accusing him of sexually harassing students. Subsequently, an Air Force official sent an email raising complaints from several students who claimed he threatened them and sent offensive messages.

At least 17 female students then provided statements to police, accusing him of harassing post-graduate management diploma students who had scholarships in the economically weaker sections (EWS) category. Upon learning of these allegations, the institute's management expelled Chaitanyananda.

Police have also arrested 38-year-old Hari Singh Kopkoti, a close associate of the accused who allegedly threatened the father of one of the victims against pursuing the case.