In a startling development, self-styled spiritual leader Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati (also known as Parthasarathy) was arrested by Delhi Police from a hotel in Agra, following allegations of sexual harassment by multiple women students and revelations that he carried forged credentials claiming ties to international bodies.
Over the past several months, at least 17 students have come forward with accusations against Chaitanyananda, claiming unwanted physical contact, lewd messages, and pressures from institute staff to comply with his demands.
Some complainants say that he installed CCTV cameras to monitor students’ movements, even in vulnerable locations like washrooms and hostel corridors.
After evading authorities for nearly 50 days, Chaitanyananda was traced to a hotel in Agra, where he was taken into custody around 3:30 a.m. A court in Delhi’s Patiala House remanded him to five days of police custody to allow further investigations.
During interrogation and searches, police recovered multiple forged visiting cards and identity artefacts. One visiting card claimed he was a Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations (ECOSOC), while another identified him as a BRICS Joint Commission member and “Special Envoy from India.”
Investigators also found falsified number plates (including diplomatic plates), as well as two passports issued under different names containing inconsistent personal details such as parent names and birthplaces.
Reports suggest he habitually changed hideouts — spanning Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan — and stayed in at least 13 different hotels during his period on the run. He allegedly instructed associates to present him as having ties with the Prime Minister’s Office, possibly to convince officials to extend favours such as escort vehicles, accommodation favors, or assistance.
The investigations have broadened to include possible financial misdeeds. Police report that more than 18 bank accounts and 28 fixed deposits associated with a trust linked to the accused have been frozen, with approximately ₹8 crore (80 million rupees) seized as part of coordinated account blocks.
Meanwhile, the institute formerly led by Chaitanyananda — Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management — has been under scrutiny. He had reportedly transformed its organisational structure without formal permissions, and the religious trust that ran the institute claims to have severed ties with him.
In addition, older cases against Chaitanyananda are resurfacing. He was previously implicated in sexual harassment or molestation allegations in 2009 and 2016, though those earlier matters remain unresolved in court.
As of now, Chaitanyananda remains in police custody. The investigation is ongoing, with more witnesses being called and forensic examinations underway. Authorities have warned of potential charges beyond harassment — including criminal conspiracy, forgery, impersonation, and fraud.
