New Delhi/Agra: Delhi Police have arrested Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Swami Parthasarathi, former director of the Sri Sharada Institute in Vasant Kunj, Delhi, in connection with sexual harassment allegations. The arrest follows complaints from 17 female students enrolled in post-graduate diploma courses at the ashram, who accused the accused of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment.
The institute, which provides scholarships to girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, had 32 students under investigation. Police reported that 17 students alleged that Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati made indecent remarks, sent vulgar messages, and sexually harassed them. Victims also claimed that female teachers and staff were pressured to comply with his demands.
Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati had gone into hiding following the complaints and was last traced near Agra. He has prior cases of sexual harassment filed against him in 2009 and 2016. During the investigation, police seized a Volvo car from the ashram basement used by the accused, which was found to have a fake diplomatic number plate. The Swami has been brought to Delhi for further investigation. In response, the Sri Shringeri South Sharada Peetham Trust Board removed him from his director position and severed all ties with the institute.