Delhi Police have filed charges against the director of a prominent ashram in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area following allegations of sexual harassment from multiple female students enrolled in management courses.
Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Partha Sarathy, who headed Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management, faces accusations from 17 out of 32 students who provided statements to investigators. The allegations include abusive language, inappropriate text messages, and forced physical contact targeting students pursuing post-graduate management diplomas under the economically weaker sections scholarship category.
Arsham Director in Delhi accused of sexual harassment
The victims alleged that women faculty and administrative staff pressured students to comply with the accused’s demands. Students reported that ashram wardens had facilitated introductions to the accused, suggesting institutional involvement in the alleged misconduct.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Goyal of the South-West District confirmed that police filed charges for sexual harassment and related offenses based on the students’ statements. Investigators have analyzed CCTV footage and conducted raids at both the crime scene and the accused’s residence.
Ongoing Investigation by Delhi Police
The accused remains at large, with sources indicating his last known location near Agra. Multiple police teams are actively searching for him.
During the investigation, police discovered a Volvo car in the institute’s basement used by Swami Chaitanyananda. Verification revealed the vehicle displayed a forged diplomatic number plate (39 UN 1), leading to its seizure.
Institutional Response
Following the allegations, the ashram administration removed Swami Chaitanyananda from his position and expelled him from the organization. The Delhi facility operates as a branch of a prominent South Indian ashram.
The parent organization, Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetha, Sringeri, issued a statement distancing itself from the accused. The organization declared that Swami Chaitanyananda’s conduct and activities were “illegal, inappropriate, and against the Peetha’s interests,” announcing the severation of all ties with him.
Facility Operations
The Delhi unit operated with two batches, each accommodating over 35 students. The case highlights concerns about safety and oversight in educational institutions, particularly those serving economically disadvantaged students through scholarship programs.
The investigation continues as authorities work to locate the accused and gather additional evidence.
