The national capital on Wednesday woke up to yet another shocker, tarnishing the name of New Delhi where a director of a well-known ashram in its posh area of Vasant Kunj has been accused of sexually harassing over a dozen female students.
A self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati also known as Partha Sarathy of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management has been booked for harassing students pursuing post-graduate management diploma courses under Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category.
According to police, as many as 17 students out of 32 have recorded their statements and accused Saraswati of using abusive language, sending lewd text messages, and unwarranted physical touch.
Women faculty and administrative staff allegedly pressured the students to comply with the demands of the accused. The students claimed that some wardens working at the ashram had introduced them to the accused.
The police have also analysed CCTV footage and carried out raids at the place of the crime as well as the accused’s address. However, the accused is still at large.
During the investigation, the police found a Volvo car in the institute’s basement that was used by Saraswati. It was found that the car used a forged diplomatic number plate (39 UN 1) and has been seized.
After the accusations surfaced, the ashram administration removed him from his post and expelled him.
The Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetha, Sringeri, which runs the Delhi facility, has issued a statement stating that Swami Chaityananda’s conduct and activities have been illegal, inappropriate, and against the Peetha’s interests.
Consequently, it has severed all ties with the accused.
The Peetham has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding illegal acts committed by Saraswati.
