Statesman News Service
September 25, 2025
A serious case of sexual harassment has surfaced in Delhi involving self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami (Dr.) Parthasarathy, police said on Thursday with several women, especially those belonging to underprivileged families, accusing him of repeated sexual harassment, intimidation, and abuse of power.
The Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, filed a complaint against the godman. Soon after the allegations, the Peetham announced that it had cut all ties with him and cancelled the powers of attorney that had given him authority over the Sringeri peetham.
According to the FIR registered at Vasant Kunj North police station, the survivors have alleged that Chaitanyananda often messaged them at odd hours and pressured them to visit his quarters late at night during foreign trips, calling such encounters ‘necessary for spiritual growth and education.’
A complaint initially surfaced through a letter written by an Indian Air Force officer and former student of the institute, which alerted the management.
In a separate complaint filed against Chaitanyananda, 17 female students claimed that the accused summoned them via WhatsApp and was aided by three hostel wardens who allegedly pressured them to delete incriminating chats after meeting him.
“The wardens have since been dismissed from the institute,” said a senior officer.
“Meanwhile, on 01.08.2025, an email was received by the Peetham from an officer of the rank of Group Captain, serving as Director, University Outreach Program, Directorate of Education, Air Headquarters, informed the Peetham that the Directorate had received several complaints and representations from students at SRISIIM, alleging arbitrary decisions and vindictive behaviour by Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, including sending WhatsApp messages to girl students at odd hours,” stated a press note issued by the institute.
The institute asserted that it had promptly taken action against the accused. “The Peetham was also informed via the same letter about the filing of a criminal complaint and the registration of FIR No. 320 of 2025 against Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati. The Peetham assured that the required legal action is being taken and clarified that Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati is not a monk of the order of Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, nor of the lineage of the revered Saint Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya.”
Police have launched a probe into the allegations, which point to a disturbing pattern of exploitation cloaked under spiritual authority.
https://www.thestatesman.com/cities/abuse-in-the-name-of-spiritual-growth-swami-chaitanyanandas-misdeeds-1503491428.html/amp
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