A controversial spiritual figure, known as Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, has been detained by authorities in Agra following allegations of sexually harassing 17 women at a prominent ashram in Delhi’s upscale Vasant Kunj neighborhood.
The 50-something self-proclaimed godman, whose real name is Partha Sarathy, served as the director of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, a private institution offering postgraduate diploma programs in management. The facility, situated in the affluent Vasant Kunj area, provided scholarships to students from economically weaker sections, many of whom became the alleged victims. According to police reports, the complaints against him encompass a pattern of misconduct, including the use of abusive language, transmission of explicit text messages, and instances of unwanted physical advances.
Investigators revealed that several wardens at the institute had facilitated introductions between the women and the swami, who then summoned them to his private quarters under various pretexts. Recovered digital evidence, including compromising chat logs, shows he enticed the students with promises of complimentary international travel. Further compounding the charges, authorities discovered that hidden surveillance cameras had been covertly placed within the women’s hostel, raising serious privacy concerns.
The scandal erupted publicly earlier this week, prompting swift action from the ashram’s leadership. Officials at the Delhi branch, which operates as an extension of the renowned Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetha in Sringeri, southern India, promptly removed Chaitanyananda from his position. In a statement, representatives of the religious organization condemned his behavior as “inappropriate,” distancing the broader institution from the incident.
Delhi Police, acting on multiple first information reports filed by the affected students, tracked the fugitive to Agra, where he was apprehended late Friday evening. He is expected to be produced before a local court soon, with investigations ongoing to uncover the full extent of the alleged abuses. The case has spotlighted vulnerabilities in educational and spiritual settings, particularly for young women from underprivileged backgrounds seeking opportunities in higher education.