New Delhi, 24 Sept

Delhi Police have intensified efforts to nab self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati alias Parthasarathy, accused of sexually harassing female students at a management institute in Vasant Kunj, officials said on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Aishwarya Singh said the investigation is ongoing and police are “making every effort” to apprehend the accused, who has been absconding despite multiple raids and surveillance.

The complaint was filed on 4 August at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station by students of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, where Saraswati was a director and member of the management committee.

During the inquiry, statements of 32 female PGDM students under the EWS scholarship were recorded. Of them, 17 alleged that Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene WhatsApp/SMS messages, and made unwanted physical contact. Some faculty members, including women, were also accused of abetting the misconduct by pressuring students to comply with his demands, police said.

A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Statements of 16 victims have been recorded before a magistrate, officials added.

Investigators also discovered a Volvo car with a forged diplomatic number plate – “39 UN 1” – in the basement of the institute, allegedly used by Saraswati. This led to the registration of a second FIR on 25 August and seizure of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, with which Saraswati was earlier associated, issued a statement distancing itself from him.

“Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Dr Parthasarathy, has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of the Peetham. As a result, all ties with him have been severed. Complaints have also been lodged with relevant authorities,” the Peetham said.

It added that the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)-approved Sri Sharada Institute continues to be administered by a governing council chaired by educationist Dr Krishna Venkatesh, and steps are being taken to safeguard the welfare of students.

Police said multiple teams are conducting raids at Saraswati’s known hideouts in Delhi and neighbouring states. Vigil has also been strengthened at airports to prevent him from fleeing the country.

“The allegations are serious, involving multiple victims. We are pursuing the case with priority,” said a senior officer.

Saraswati has since been removed from his role at the institute, police added.