New Delhi: The police probe into allegations of sexual harassment at a prominent educational and spiritual institution in New Delhi has widened, with disturbing new details surfacing against Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a self-styled spiritual leader and director of the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management in the Vasant Kunj area of the national capital.
According to the FIR filed in August 2025, multiple women students have accused the 52-year-old religious figure -- born Partha Sarathy in Odisha -- of harassment, coercion, and intimidation. Officials confirm that WhatsApp messages recovered during the investigation reveal that he allegedly addressed young students with messages such as "Baby," "I love you," "I adore you," and comments about their appearance, including compliments about hair and clothing.
The FIR mentions how the ordeal began for one student shortly after her admission in October 2024. She alleged that the first summoned her before Diwali that year, where he looked at her in what she described as a "strange" and "demotivating" manner.
In December, following a hairline fracture she sustained after a fall in the hostel, Saraswati reportedly directed her to send him her X-ray report on his personal mobile phone. It was from this point, the complaint alleges, that the inappropriate and coercive messages began.
The student has told investigators that she was routinely sent unsolicited and personal remarks, including: "You are looking beautiful today" and "I adore you." She was allegedly threatened with a reduction in marks and official notices if she failed to respond.
In March 2025, under the pretext of performing a religious ceremony for a new BMW car, Saraswati allegedly called her to his quarters. That night, he reportedly sent further messages urging her to meet him in person.
Three women staff members -- identified in the FIR as Shweta, Bhavana, and Kajal -- are accused of pressuring the complainant to delete these exchanges and even drafting an apology email on her behalf.
According to the FIR, during Holi celebrations, students were allegedly made to line up and apply colour to Saraswati first. Later, one of the complainants stated that she was summoned to his office, where he forcibly recorded a video and made objectionable remarks.
Further allegations include incidents during a trip to Rishikesh in June 2025, where several students claim they were called at odd hours and subjected to molestation. Those who resisted were allegedly barred from sitting for examinations or had their marks reduced.
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