The quiet calm of South Delhi’s upscale Vasant Kunj has been shaken by shocking revelations surrounding Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Partha Sarathy, the director of a well-known ashram and head of the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management. What initially appeared to be an academic and spiritual haven for students from economically weaker backgrounds has now been exposed as the center of a major sexual harassment scandal, with allegations that have left the public stunned.

According to Delhi Police, at least 17 female students pursuing their post-graduate management diploma under the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) scholarship scheme have accused Saraswati of sexual misconduct. The disturbing charges include the use of abusive language, sending of obscene text messages, and unwanted physical advances.

Multiple Women Step Forward

The case first came to light on August 4, when a complaint was filed at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station. Investigators began recording statements from students enrolled in the institute. Out of 32 women who spoke with police, 17 detailed explicit instances of harassment.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest District) Amit Goyal said:

“During enquiry, statements of 32 women students were recorded, out of which 17 alleged abusive language, obscene WhatsApp/SMS messages and unwanted physical contact by the accused. The victims further alleged that women who were serving as faculty and administrators abetted and pressured them to comply with Chaitanyananda’s demands.”

Students also claimed that some faculty and administrative staff played a complicit role, allegedly pressuring them to give in to the swami’s advances. In fact, several wardens of the ashram reportedly introduced young women to him, creating an unsafe environment within the institute.

The statements of 16 victims have also been recorded before a magistrate at Patiala House Court, giving further legal weight to the case.

Allegations Supported by Evidence

To build the case, police have examined CCTV footage, seized NVRs (Network Video Recordings) and hard disks from the institute, and sent them for forensic testing. Raids have been conducted at both the institute and Saraswati’s residential addresses, but the accused remains untraceable.

Despite the mounting evidence, Saraswati has been on the run, evading capture for weeks. Sources indicate that his last known location was in Agra, but multiple raids across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have so far failed to secure his arrest.

#WATCH | Delhi | Visuals from outside Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj area.

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati @ Parth Sarthy, of the institute, has been accused of allegedly molesting girl students pursuing PGDM courses here under EWS scholarship.… pic.twitter.com/UIDlSlXpBx— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2025

A Volvo With Fake UN Number Plates

As the investigation deepened, authorities stumbled upon an unexpected lead. A red Volvo car, frequently used by Saraswati, was found parked in the institute’s basement. Shockingly, the vehicle carried a forged diplomatic number plate, bearing “39 UN 1” (in some reports noted as “31 UN”).

On verification, police confirmed that the plate was fake. An additional FIR was registered on August 25 under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including those related to forgery, cheating, and misusing property marks to defraud. The car has since been seized.

DCP Amit Goyal remarked:

“A Volvo car was found parked in the basement of the institute. On verification, it was found that the car with forged diplomatic number plate, 31 UN, is used by Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati.”

This revelation added a new layer of criminality to the case, raising questions about the accused’s influence and network of connections.

Institutional Fallout: Ashram Cuts Ties

The scandal has not only tarnished the reputation of the Delhi institute but also shaken its parent body. The Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri — one of the oldest and most respected spiritual institutions in South India — issued a strongly worded public statement.

The Peetham declared:

• Swami Chaitanyananda’s conduct and activities were illegal, inappropriate, and against the interests of the Peetham.

• It has severed all ties with the accused.

• Complaints regarding his illegal acts have been formally lodged with relevant authorities.

The statement further clarified that the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management-Research in New Delhi is fully approved by the AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and is governed by a council chaired by Dr. Krishna Venkatesh. The Peetham emphasized its commitment to ensuring student welfare and the continuity of educational programs despite the ongoing controversy.

Legal Action Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

The Delhi Police have registered cases against Saraswati under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

• Section 75 (2): Sexual harassment

• Section 79: Intention to insult modesty of women

• Section 351 (2): Assault

• Additional sections for forgery, cheating, and creating false documents linked to the fake UN number plate case.

Police officials confirmed that the case is being pursued vigorously, with special teams working across multiple states to track down the absconding godman.

Victims’ Ordeal Highlights Systemic Issues

The allegations do not stand alone as isolated incidents. What makes this case more alarming is the institutional complicity alleged by the victims. Students revealed that women staff members and administrators pressured them to entertain Saraswati’s inappropriate advances.

Some wardens reportedly acted as intermediaries, introducing students to him. This suggests a larger network of enablers within the institute, raising questions about accountability and oversight.

Current Status: Manhunt Intensifies

Despite extensive raids and surveillance, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati remains absconding. His last trace near Agra suggests he may still be within northern India, but his exact whereabouts remain unknown.

Delhi Police have assured that efforts are ongoing and that justice will be served. Meanwhile, students and parents remain anxious, demanding swift action against the accused and those who enabled him.

What's Next?

The case of Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, once a revered figure running a prestigious management institute in Delhi, has now unraveled into a grim story of sexual exploitation, forgery, and abuse of power. With at least 17 women bravely coming forward, the investigation underscores the importance of student safety, institutional accountability, and the urgent need for transparency in educational spaces tied to spiritual organizations.

While the accused continues to evade law enforcement, the pressure on authorities to deliver justice grows stronger by the day. The unfolding investigation is not just about one man’s misconduct but also a wake-up call about the dangers of unchecked authority cloaked in spirituality and education.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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