Self-styled godman arrested for sexually harassing 17 girl students

New Delhi, Sep 28: Delhi Police have arrested self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, who is accused of sexually harassing at least 17 female students and running a network of financial fraud.

Officials said the 62-year-old former chairman of a Delhi management institute was traced to Agra after weeks on the run. According to The Times of India, police allege that Saraswati exploited students from economically weaker sections by seizing their mobile phones and academic certificates, effectively silencing them. Investigators say he created an atmosphere of intimidation, threatening students with expulsion or career ruin if they resisted his advances. On Friday, a Delhi court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in a case of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy. Additional sessions judge Hardeep Kaur observed that custodial interrogation was required to establish the “entire chain of fraud” and noted that the accused had been absconding.

Court records cited by TOI describe how Saraswati allegedly floated a fraudulent trust to divert funds and properties linked to Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research and a Sringeri-based religious body. Police said he opened multiple bank accounts under different names, withdrawing more than Rs 50 lakh even after an FIR was lodged against him in August.

The first formal complaint was filed in March by a student enrolled under the EWS quota, who alleged she was asked to either pay an additional Rs 60,000 or work without salary at the institute. Later, an Indian Air Force officer reported that several women had disclosed instances of harassment during a virtual meeting. Police told TOI that more victims are now stepping forward as the investigation widens. They are examining financial records, properties, and the role of Saraswati’s aides, who allegedly helped enforce the climate of fear within the institute.