Swami Chaitanyananda case: More students come forward with disturbing allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation
PTC Web Desk: The controversy surrounding self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati is escalating as multiple female students have come forward with disturbing allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation. The former chairman of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research, New Delhi, is now facing charges of molestation, inappropriate conduct, and financial irregularities linked to a trust reportedly worth Rs 122 crore.
The case, registered on August 5, includes a six-page FIR with testimonies from 32 women, detailing incidents of repeated harassment. Among the claims are accusations that the monk seized students’ phones and original certificates to instill fear, threatened to deduct marks if they raised complaints, and even sent inappropriate text messages such as “baby, I love you” to a 21-year-old student.
According to the FIR, a troubling incident took place during a Holi celebration, where female students were allegedly ordered to line up and allow Swami Chaitanyananda to be the first to apply colour to their cheeks and the parting of their hair. Each girl was reportedly told to bow before him and say “Hariom” before he carried out the act.
One of the students recounted how she received frequent compliments about her appearance and hair, coupled with late-night calls during an industrial visit to Rishikesh in June 2025. When she resisted, she was threatened with marks deduction and was allegedly warned that even her brother could face police trouble if she objected.
Another student alleged the monk touched her face and hands inappropriately, reinforcing the pattern of intimidation and exploitation reported by several survivors.
Further allegations claim that Chaitanyananda instructed students to surrender their mobile phones, allegedly under the pretext of helping them focus on studies. In exchange, he would provide them with new phones of his choosing, ensuring he could monitor and control their communications.
In addition, students were compelled to deposit their original academic certificates, which were only returned upon course completion. Survivors said this created a climate of fear, as their careers were effectively held hostage. Several students claimed they were warned that their careers would be ruined if they spoke against him, and some were even expelled from the institute.
The women targeted were mainly pursuing Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) courses under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scholarship. A close friend of one survivor revealed that it took tremendous courage for one student to finally raise her voice, paving the way for others to share their experiences.
- With inputs from agencies
