Days after evading authorities, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a self-styled godman and former director of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management-Research in Delhi, was arrested at 3:30 am on Sunday from a hotel in Agra. The arrest followed multiple allegations of sexual harassment and financial fraud.
More than 17 women students, enrolled under the economic weaker section (EWS) scholarship, accused Saraswati—also known as Parthasarathy—of abusive language, unwanted physical contact, and sending obscene messages. According to the FIR, he allegedly forced female students to visit his quarters late at night, sent them inappropriate texts at odd hours, and monitored their movements through his phone.
Following these allegations, the Sri Sringeri Math administration relieved him from his directorial post. A Look-Out Notice was issued to prevent him from fleeing the country.
Financial Irregularities and Misappropriation
On Friday, a Delhi court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a separate case of financial irregularities filed by the Sringeri Math administration. Authorities informed the court that Saraswati absconded with the Trust’s money, withdrawing around Rs 55 lakh and even obtaining a forged passport under a different name.
A preliminary audit conducted in December 2024 uncovered large-scale fraud involving the misappropriation of properties and funds belonging to the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri.
Investigators found that in 2010, Parthasarathy fraudulently created another trust under the name Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research Foundation Trust. This parallel entity diverted earnings away from the AICTE-approved Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research, resulting in the misappropriation of assets and funds estimated at Rs 20 crore.
