Over 17 students accuse Saraswati of sexual misconduct; 32 gave statements detailing harassment, obscene messages, and intimidation.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, September 28, 2025 — Delhi Police on Sunday arrested Swami Chaitanya Nanda Saraswatia, a self-styled Godman and former chairman of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management (SIIM), from Agra after days on the run. Saraswati, also known by his birth name Parthasarathy, faces serious allegations ranging from sex abuse of students to financial fraud and forgery.
The arrest comes nearly two months after a case was registered at Vasant Kunj police station under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) following complaints by students and the management of the institute. Despite multiple police raids across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, the accused had managed to evade capture until he was finally traced to a hideout in Agra.
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Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
According to Delhi Police, Saraswati is accused of molesting more than 17 postgraduate diploma (PGDM) students at the Sri Sharada Institute, many of whom belonged to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota.
Investigators revealed that a total of 32 students have provided formal statements, with 17 directly alleging that Saraswati used sexually abusive language, sent obscene messages on WhatsApp, and made repeated unwanted physical advances.
Several of the complainants described a pattern of intimidation and exploitation, claiming that Saraswati leveraged his position of authority at the institute to target students who were financially vulnerable and dependent on scholarships. Police sources added that electronic evidence, including mobile chat records, is being examined to strengthen the case.
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Financial Irregularities and Forged Vehicles
Beyond the sexual harassment allegations, Saraswati also faces accusations of defrauding the Sri Sharada Peetham, the spiritual body linked to the Sringeri Sharada Math in Karnataka.
He allegedly diverted institute funds for personal use, with investigators looking into transactions that suggest misappropriation of money meant for academic and welfare activities. In addition, police found that Saraswati had been using vehicles with forged number plates to avoid detection while on the run, further compounding the charges against him.
Disowned by the Sringeri Sharada Peetham
In the wake of the scandal, the Sringeri-based Sri Sharada Peetham has categorically disowned Saraswati. In an official statement, the Peetham said:
“Parthasarathy has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri (Peetham). As a result, the Peetham has severed all ties with him. The Peetham has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities.”
The spiritual institution has clarified that Saraswati’s actions were undertaken in his personal capacity and have no sanction from the Peetham. It also urged devotees and the general public not to associate him with its lineage or teachings.
A History of Controversy
Sources within the institute told police that this is not the first time complaints had surfaced against Saraswati. Allegations of inappropriate behavior had circulated informally for years, but fear of reprisal and social stigma prevented students from coming forward. It was only after a group of students collectively approached the Vasant Kunj police station on August 4, 2025, that the case gained momentum.
Since then, pressure has mounted on law enforcement agencies to take swift action, particularly after women’s rights groups and student organizations staged protests demanding Saraswati’s arrest.
Saraswati is currently in police custody and is expected to be produced before a Delhi court soon. Investigators are examining the possibility of additional charges under provisions related to sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, cheating, and forgery.
Police officials said that the investigation will also look into whether Saraswati received protection from individuals within political or religious circles during his time in hiding.
The case has once again highlighted the growing concerns around unregulated “godmen” institutions across the country, raising questions about oversight, accountability, and the protection of students and followers who are often left vulnerable to exploitation.
