Godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati booked after 17 Delhi students accuse him of sexual harassment; police seize car with fake diplomatic plates as he absconds.
By Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi | September 24, 2025
A Godman Under Fire
A self-styled godman, Chaitanyananda Saraswati—formerly known as Dr. Partha Sarathy—has been booked after 17 female students accused him of sexual harassment at a Delhi-based management institute in Vasant Kunj. Police said the complaints include abusive language, obscene messages, blackmail, and forced physical contact.
Complaint and Police Investigation
The matter came to light on August 4 when an administrator of the institution filed a complaint at Vasant Kunj North police station. During the inquiry, statements of 32 students were recorded. Of these, 17 confirmed harassment by the godman, while also alleging that women faculty and administrators pressured them to comply with his demands.
Police registered a case under sections 75(2)/79/351(2) BNS, examined CCTV footage, conducted raids, and seized digital evidence from the institute. Sixteen victims later recorded formal statements before a Judicial Magistrate at Patiala House Courts.
The Mystery Car with Fake Diplomatic Plates
During the probe, officers found a Volvo car parked in the institute’s basement bearing a forged diplomatic number plate “39 UN 1.” The vehicle, allegedly used by the godman, was seized, and a separate FIR was lodged under forgery and fraud-related provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Absconding Despite Previous Cases
The accused has been evading arrest. Police teams last traced his movement near Agra, but tracking him has proven difficult since he avoids using mobile phones. Authorities also confirmed that Saraswati has faced molestation cases in 2009 and 2016, though no strict action was taken at the time.
Ashram Cuts Ties with the Godman
Following the scandal, the Sri Sharada Peetham at Sringeri issued a public statement cutting all ties with Chaitanyananda Saraswati. The institution called his actions “illegal and inappropriate” and confirmed it had lodged complaints with authorities regarding his misconduct.
