A growing scandal has engulfed a prominent ashram in Delhi after more than 15 women came forward accusing Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati of molestation, harassment, and fraud. The accused, who had been serving as director of the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management (run by the Sri Sringeri Math), has been removed from his post with immediate effect.
Originally from Odisha and formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy, Chaitanyananda Saraswati had lived at the Vasant Kunj ashram for the past 12 years. But this is not his first brush with the law. In 2009, a case involving fraud and molestation was filed against him in Defence Colony. In 2016, another complaint was registered in Vasant Kunj by a woman alleging sexual harassment.
Police sources say that in the latest case, the complainants are Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) students at the institute. Out of 32 statements recorded so far, 17 students alleged abusive language, obscene WhatsApp messages, and unwanted physical contact. Authorities are now re-examining previous cases to build a larger profile of misconduct. The Swami is currently absconding, with his last known location traced to Agra.
Pattern of Abuse Across Religious Circles
The case has reignited debate over sexual misconduct in religious institutions. In the past decade, several prominent religious leaders across India have faced accusations of sexual assault, harassment, or exploitation, including:
Asaram Bapu – Convicted in 2018 for raping a minor.
Narayan Sai – Son of Asaram, convicted for rape in 2019.
Swami Nithyananda – Accused in multiple sexual abuse cases, now absconding.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh – Dera Sacha Sauda chief, convicted of rape in 2017.
Swami Premananda – Convicted of multiple rapes and murders (Tamil Nadu).
Sant Rampal – Arrested after deadly clashes, accused of wrongful confinement and conspiracy.
Swami Bhimanand (Baba Sex Scandal) – Arrested for running a sex racket in 2010.
Swami Sadachari (Delhi) – Jailed in a prostitution case in the 1990s.
Radhe Maa – Faced sexual harassment allegations in 2015 (not convicted).
Swami Om – Bigg Boss contestant, faced loop criminal cases including molestation.
These cases highlight a disturbing pattern: the misuse of religious authority to exploit vulnerable followers, often shielded by institutional power or lack of oversight.
Authorities Tighten Scrutiny
Women’s rights groups are urging the government to establish stricter oversight of religious institutions, background checks for clergy, and swift investigation into complaints. Police in Delhi have formed a special team to track down Chaitanyananda Saraswati and provide protection to whistleblowers and complainants.
Legal experts say the case may serve as a landmark moment, pushing for more accountability in spiritual and religious organizations across India.
