A serious case of alleged sexual harassment has emerged from the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the former chancellor and a self-styled godman, faces multiple accusations from female students regarding sustained harassment and intimidation. The allegations were brought to light following a virtual meeting with over 30 female students, where many shared their troubling experiences.

One 21-year-old scholarship student detailed her ordeal, stating, "He was the chancellor… His office was on the ground floor of the building where our classes were held. In my first meeting, he looked at me weirdly and even demotivated me." After she shared her medical records with him, Chaitanyananda began sending her inappropriate messages at odd hours, including, "Baby, I love you. I adore you, you are looking beautiful today." She noted that if she did not respond, he would pressure her to reply by tagging previous messages.

The student reported that when she raised her concerns with the associate dean, her complaints were dismissed, and she was told to comply because he was the Head. She claimed that her academic performance suffered as a result of resisting his advances, with marks being deducted and notices issued for manipulated attendance. Additionally, she was coerced into attending a trip to Rishikesh, where he allegedly made inappropriate remarks.

The FIR also states that students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds, were forced to visit Chaitanyananda in his quarters late at night. One student was reportedly compelled to change her name and delete messages to erase evidence of his misconduct. The FIR names three female wardens as co-accused for allegedly aiding Chaitanyananda in his actions.

Police have registered two cases: one for sexual harassment and another related to a forged number plate found on a luxury vehicle linked to Chaitanyananda. A Lookout Circular has been issued to prevent him from fleeing the country, and multiple teams are working to locate him. The FIR includes serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sexual harassment and criminal intimidation.

In response to the allegations, the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham in Karnataka, with which Chaitanyananda was previously associated, has publicly distanced itself from him. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to thoroughly examining the claims made by the students.