Chaitanyananda Saraswati Held for 14 Days Amid Molestation Claims
62-year-old accused of molesting 17 female students now in judicial custody.
A Delhi court on Friday ordered 14 days of judicial custody for Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a 62-year-old self-styled godman accused of molesting 17 women students at a private management institute in southwest Delhi. The Delhi Police presented Saraswati before Judicial Magistrate Animesh Kumar at Patiala House Courts, following the completion of his five-day police custody, to seek judicial remand.
Saraswati, who was arrested in Agra last Sunday after evading authorities, faces serious allegations of misconduct. According to the First Information Report (FIR), he allegedly coerced female students into visiting his quarters late at night, sent inappropriate text messages at odd hours, and monitored their movements through a CCTV app on his phone. The police investigation further uncovered disturbing evidence, including sex toys, pornographic CDs, and lewd messages linked to the accused.
The court permitted Saraswati’s counsel’s request for the provision of the seizure memo and case diaries. Applications for allowing him to wear monk robes, receive medicines, and be provided with "sanyasi" food were also submitted, with the court seeking a response from the police on these requests.
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Investigations revealed that Saraswati, the former chairman of the institute, allegedly operated multiple bank accounts under different names, withdrawing over ₹50 lakh after the FIR was filed. Authorities have frozen ₹8 crore linked to him in various bank accounts and fixed deposits. Additionally, fake visiting cards associating him with the United Nations and BRICS were recovered, further exposing his deceptive practices.
In a related development, three women officials from the same institute—Associate Dean Shweta Sharma, Executive Director Bhawna Kapil, and Senior Faculty Kajal—were arrested on Thursday for abetment, threatening, and destroying evidence in connection with the case.
The Delhi Police also conducted a site visit to the institute’s campus with Saraswati for further investigation. As the case unfolds, the allegations against the self-proclaimed spiritual leader have sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting serious concerns about abuse of power and student safety.
Also Read: Godman Chaitanyananda Denied Bail in Fraud and Harassment Scandal
