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New Delhi : Police in Delhi detained two women linked to self-styled godman Chaitanyanand Saraswati. Investigators said the women helped him silence victims and delete obscene chats. They were confronted with Saraswati during questioning.
Saraswati, 62, was arrested on Sunday in Agra after evading police for nearly 50 days. Officers revealed he stayed in 15 budget hotels without CCTV cameras to hide from authorities. He was earlier known as Parthasarathy.
The case began in August after students at Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj accused Saraswati of sexual harassment. He was the director of the institute. Students said he targeted those from weaker sections, sent obscene late-night messages, and threatened them with poor marks if they resisted.
Police have recovered chats with multiple women and photos with air hostesses from his mobile phone. Investigators also found hidden cameras in the women’s hostel and a Volvo with a fake diplomatic number plate.
An FIR was filed on August 25 under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for sexual harassment, intimidation, cheating, and forgery. The matter came to light after an alumnus and an Air Force officer alerted the institute’s management.
Officials said three female staff members were also named as co-accused for helping Saraswati. It is not yet clear if the detained women were among them. The parent organization, Sri Sharada Peetham in Karnataka, cut ties with him and lodged complaints about his illegal activities.
“We took immediate action and extended full cooperation to the police. His actions were damaging and unlawful,” the Peetham said in its statement.
A Delhi court rejected Saraswati’s request for anticipatory bail on September 26, citing the serious charges. Police sources further revealed he had faced molestation complaints in 2009 and 2016, including one at the same Vasant Kunj ashram, but no action was taken then.
Saraswati will remain in custody until October 5. A charge sheet is likely after forensic reports of his devices are completed. Police also said more students have come forward with fresh complaints.
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