Delhi ashram sex scandal: Swami on the run after molesting 17 students

A major scandal has erupted in Delhi’s upscale Vasant Kunj locality after Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Partha Sarathy, was accused of sexually harassing multiple women students at the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management.

According to Indian media and Delhi police officials, statements were recorded from 32 female students, of whom 17 reported sexual harassment, including abusive language, obscene text messages, and instances of unwanted physical contact.

Some survivors alleged that women staff members and wardens facilitated introductions or pressured them to comply with the swami’s demands.

The victims were primarily enrolled in post-graduate management diploma courses under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) scholarship category.

Investigators also discovered that the accused regularly used a luxury Volvo car carrying a forged United Nations (UN) number plate marked “39 UN 1”.

Police confirmed that the plate was not issued by the UN and have seized the vehicle while adding forgery and impersonation charges to the case.

South-West District Deputy Commissioner of Police Amit Goyal confirmed that a case of sexual harassment and other offences has been registered against Swami Chaitanyananda.

The Swami remains absconding, with multiple police teams pursuing him across Delhi and nearby regions, including Agra, where he was last traced.

The ashram administration has publicly dismissed him from his post and expelled him from the premises. Meanwhile, police are examining CCTV footage, phone records, and the role of faculty members or wardens who may have abetted the misconduct.

Survivors are under protection as investigations continue, and further arrests are expected as evidence surfaces.

The ashram is linked to a major ashram in South India, with the Delhi branch running two batches of over 35 students each.