Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a self-styled godman and chairman of a private management institute in Vasant Kunj, southwest Delhi, has been booked for sexually harassing more than 17 students of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management. The institute is affiliated with the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, headquartered in Karnataka’s Sringeri.
Complaints and FIR filing
The case came to light after students filed complaints against Saraswati in August 2025. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Amit Goel, the college administration lodged the FIR on August 4 following allegations that Saraswati sexually harassed women students pursuing courses under the economically weaker section (EWS) scholarships.
The allegations were first discovered while the administration was investigating Saraswati for fraud and cheating. A letter from a former student dated July 28 and an email from an Indian Air Force Group Captain further exposed the abuse, highlighting unwanted messages, intimidation, and harassment directed at women students.
Role of staff members
The FIR also named three women staff members, including the associate dean, accusing them of pressuring students to comply with Saraswati’s advances and ignoring complaints raised against him. Most students affected are either from the EWS category or are children of armed forces personnel.
Previous allegations
This is not the first time Saraswati has faced legal trouble. Police sources confirmed that complaints of fraud and molestation were filed against him in 2009 and 2016. Despite the allegations, he continued his educational and spiritual work and authored 28 books, described online as showcasing him as an eminent professor, orator, and spiritual philosopher.
Additional findings
During the investigation, police found a Volvo car in the institute’s basement with a forged diplomatic number plate — 39 UN 1 — which Saraswati reportedly used. A separate FIR was lodged on August 25 for the forged plate. The accused has evaded arrest and is currently being searched by the authorities.
Institute’s response
The Sri Sharada Peetham has issued a public statement distancing itself from Saraswati. The institute also conducted a virtual meeting with over 30 female students to gather information regarding the allegations. Statements of 32 female PGDM students were recorded in front of a magistrate, with 17 alleging harassment, including abusive language, obscene messages, and unwanted physical advances.
Legal provisions invoked
The case has been registered under sections 75(2) for sexual harassment, 79 for acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman, and 351(2) for criminal intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Vasant Kunj North police station.
The Delhi Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all leads are being followed to ensure the accused is brought to justice.