Multiple Students Allege Abuse, Vulgar Messages, and Staff Complicity; Police Intensify Search, Institute Administration Overhauled
Delhi’s Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj is facing a major crisis after 17 female students accused the director, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, of repeated sexual harassment. The case involves allegations of lewd messages, unwanted touch, and pressure exerted by both the accused and members of the faculty. As the investigation deepens, the director remains absconding, and the institute’s administration has been transferred to a new Governing Council.
Timeline of Events and Student Accusations
The controversy erupted when multiple students at the institute reported a pattern of sexually explicit WhatsApp and SMS messages sent by Swami Chaitanyananda. Several students also described experiences of unwelcome and inappropriate physical contact. Many victims stated that they were pressured by faculty and administrative staff to comply with the director’s demands, and when they raised complaints, staff either ignored or actively discouraged them from speaking out.
A total of 32 students were interviewed during the investigation, and 17 provided specific testimonies outlining the nature and extent of the harassment. The majority of the complainants are students from economically weaker backgrounds, intensifying the gravity of the case.
Police Action and Evidence Collection
Based on these allegations, Delhi Police registered a criminal case under relevant provisions and conducted multiple raids on the institute and properties linked to the accused. Several digital devices were seized for forensic analysis, and CCTV footage from the campus was reviewed. Sixteen victims have recorded official statements before a magistrate, ensuring the investigation is legally robust and well-documented.
The police search has so far failed to trace Swami Chaitanyananda, whose last known location was outside Delhi. Law enforcement agencies across Delhi and neighboring states have been alerted, and checkpoints have been set up at airports and other possibly relevant routes.
Institute’s Response and Administrative Overhaul
Following the surfacing of the allegations, the religious authority Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, formally cut all ties with Chaitanyananda. To protect students and safeguard academic activities, a new Governing Council composed of independent educationists was established to oversee the institute’s day-to-day operations and implement strong safeguards for student welfare.
History of Allegations
This is not the first time Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati has been in legal trouble. Previous accusations involving sexual harassment and fraud, dating back to 2009 and 2016, have resurfaced in light of the current case. The recurrence of such complaints is raising concerns about oversight and accountability in private educational institutions.
Spotlight on Campus Safety and Institutional Accountability
The scandal has highlighted the urgent need for robust anti-harassment protocols, transparent complaint redressal mechanisms, and continuous monitoring within educational environments. Both police and the newly formed Governing Council have expressed commitment to supporting and protecting victims, ensuring justice, and restoring trust among parents and students.
FAQ: Key Questions About the Case
Who is Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati?
He is the former director of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in Delhi, also known by the name Parth Sarthy, with a prior history of similar allegations.
What are the main allegations?
Seventeen students have accused him of sending vulgar messages, making unwanted physical contact, and using faculty or staff to pressure and silence them.
How are authorities and the institute responding?
Delhi Police have registered cases, seized evidence, and recorded victim statements. The institute is now managed by a Governing Council and the former director’s association with the parent religious body has been formally ended.
Has he been apprehended?
No. Multiple search operations are underway, but Swami Chaitanyananda remains absconding.
What measures are in place for student protection?
The institute’s administration has been overhauled, new safety protocols are being enforced, and the focus is on creating a secure, transparent, and accountable campus environment.