New Delhi: Self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused of sexually harassing 16 students at a private management institute in southwest Delhi, told a Delhi court on Friday that he faces a threat to his life inside Tihar jail. The 62-year-old former chairman of the Sri Sharda Institute, currently in judicial custody, appeared before the court at the end of his 14-day remand and levelled fresh allegations against prison authorities.
Chaitanyananda, who has been charged with molesting several women at the institute, claimed that despite multiple written applications, he was denied permission to wear his monk’s robes. He also alleged that he was not being provided the restricted diet prescribed for monks, asserting that his rights as a detainee were being violated.
Court seeks status report from Tihar authorities
Appearing before Judicial Magistrate Animesh Kumar, Chaitanyananda petitioned the court to intervene. After hearing his submissions, the court directed Tihar authorities to furnish a detailed status report on his allegations. The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 18.
The court’s direction comes amid ongoing scrutiny of prison protocols and the treatment of inmates who claim religious exemptions or special dietary needs.
Bail plea withdrawn after chargesheet filing
Earlier, on November 7, Chaitanyananda withdrew his bail plea before a sessions court. His counsel informed Additional Sessions Judge Deepti Devesh that the plea was being re-evaluated in light of the chargesheet and the nature of the allegations, indicating that a fresh legal strategy may be underway.
His earlier bail petition had argued that the case relied on “tutored complainants” and that the allegations emerged from his enforcement of strict discipline at the institute. The prosecution, however, has strongly contested this claim.
Growing evidence and gravity of allegations
On October 27, Delhi Police informed the court that they had examined nine of the 16 alleged victims. Investigators said they are continuing to record statements and collect digital and documentary evidence from the institute’s premises.
Two weeks prior, on October 13, the sessions court noted that the gravity of the offence increased exponentially due to the number of victims involved. The court observed that the multiple accounts of harassment presented a serious pattern of abuse, warranting detailed and impartial investigation.
Timeline of arrest and allegations
According to the FIR filed by the students, Chaitanyananda allegedly:
- Summoned female students to his quarters late at night
- Sent inappropriate messages at odd hours
- Monitored their movements through his phone
- Exercised undue authority over academic and residential activities
The accused was arrested in Agra on September 28, weeks after multiple survivors came forward with their statements. Police sources said his arrest followed coordinated tracking after he had reportedly left Delhi amid rising complaints.
Conclusion
As the investigation expands and court proceedings intensify, Chaitanyananda’s claims about his treatment in Tihar jail have added a new layer of legal scrutiny. The forthcoming status report from prison authorities is expected to clarify the conditions of his custody, even as the case against him—already strengthened by multiple survivor testimonies—continues to unfold.