New Delhi: A monk in Delhi – director of a well-known ashram – has been accused of sexual harassment by 17 inmates, all of them students belonging to the Economic Weaker Section (EWS). The police have registered an FIR and a search is underway for the accused.
Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy, was director of the Sri Sharadha Institute of Indian Management-Research in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The students are pursuing management diploma courses at the institute on EWS scholarships.
The Vasant Kunj North Police Station, registered the FIR and searched the ashram. While the accused was not found, the police seized a luxury car with a fake United Nations registration plate.
The complaint was initially registered by P A Murli, the administrator of Sri Sringeri Math. As per the complaint, it was alleged that a PGDM student from the institute was sexually harassed.
Releasing a statement, the ashram said: “Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy, has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate… As a result, the Peeth has severed all ties with him… (It) has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding illegal acts committed by Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati.”
According to the police, 32 female students recorded their statements during the inquiry. Of them, 17 alleged they were verbally abused, subjected to obscene videos and unwarranted physical contact. The students further alleged that the women faculty also forced them to comply with the demands of the accused director.
Delhi Police have seized CCTV footage and other digital devices such as hard disks and NVRs. The evidence has been sent for forensic testing.
Several police teams are searching for the accused. His location is being traced using electronic surveillance.
The police have claimed that two criminal cases were previously registered against Swami Chaitanyanand Saraswati. In 2009, a case of fraud and molestation was registered in Delhi’s Defence Colony. Another case was filed in 2016 in Vasant Kunj in which a woman accused him of molestation.
