Delhi’s Patiala House Court has remanded self-styled godman Parthasarathy, also known as Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, to 5 days of police custody.
The 62-year-old was arrested from a hotel in Agra on charges of molestation, forgery, and financial misconduct.
Allegations Of Harassment
According to the police, Saraswati exploited female students enrolled in PGDM courses under the EWS scholarship at a private institute in Vasant Kunj, where he earlier served as chairman. He allegedly converted the women’s hostel into a “zone of fear.”
Investigators revealed that Saraswati had set up private quarters within the 75-bed hostel and accessed its CCTV cameras remotely on his phone. This allowed him to keep continuous watch over the students.
The inquiry further uncovered that he allegedly tampered with the institute’s DVR system, erasing crucial CCTV footage. While cameras were officially installed for “security purposes,” several were positioned in lobbies and near washroom areas. Police believe Saraswati used these feeds to intimidate students.
Threats & Coercion
The FIR details how Saraswati frequently threatened students with suspension or rustication, making it difficult for parents to intervene. Former students claimed he coerced one girl into changing her name and forced others to wait long hours in his cabin, offering promises of better marks, placements, and foreign tour opportunities in exchange for compliance.
Financial Irregularities
Beyond harassment, the probe revealed financial fraud. Investigators allege that Saraswati sublet institute property to private companies, diverting the proceeds for personal luxuries. He reportedly purchased high-end vehicles, including a BMW, which has since been seized by the police.
Victims further recounted that Saraswati often forced female students to accompany him in his cars, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and control inside the hostel.
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