(Image source from: Thehansindia.com)

The leader of a famous ashram located in the upscale Vasant Kunj area of Delhi is facing allegations of sexual harassment made by more than twelve students, according to the police. Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Parth Sarathy, from the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management, is now involved in a legal case for allegedly harassing students who are enrolled in post-graduate management diploma programs on scholarships meant for those from economically weaker backgrounds. According to the police, at least 17 female students have claimed that Swami Chaitanyananda used inappropriate language, sent obscene text messages, and made unwanted physical advances. It is also claimed by the victims that female faculty and staff have pressured students to meet the demands of the accused. The students stated that some supervisors at the ashram had introduced them to the accused. Based on their testimonies, police have lodged a sexual harassment case and added other charges against Swami Chaitanyananda, as noted by Amit Goyal, the Deputy Commissioner of Police for the South-West District.

Police have examined CCTV footage and conducted searches at both the crime scene and the accused's residence. Nevertheless, he remains on the run. Reports indicate that he was last seen near Agra. Multiple police teams are actively looking for him. Following the allegations, the management of the ashram dismissed him from his role and expelled him. During their inquiry, police discovered a Volvo car in the basement of the institute that belonged to Swami Chaitanyananda. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the car displayed a fake diplomatic license plate (39 UN 1), and it has been confiscated. The ashram branch that the accused managed is part of a well-known ashram located in South India. The Delhi branch operated with two groups, each consisting of more than 35 students.