A Delhi court has remanded 62-year-old self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati to five days of police custody in connection with a sexual assault case. The court approved the request made by Delhi Police, following allegations of mass molestation at the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, where he had served as chairman.
Arrest in Agra
After being on the run since August, Saraswati was finally apprehended by the Delhi Police from Hotel First in the Tajganj area of Agra in the early hours of Sunday. Authorities revealed that he had been frequently shifting between hotels, often near religious sites, and even used false identities and visiting cards claiming diplomatic and government positions to evade detection.
Background of the Case
Saraswati faced accusations of sexually assaulting multiple female students, with at least 16 students filing complaints. The case gained national attention after an Indian Air Force group captain received emails from the students and escalated the matter to the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham, the college’s overseeing religious body. The complaints also included allegations that Saraswati sent threatening and offensive messages to students.
Allegations and Prosecution Statement
During court proceedings, the prosecution said, “He had given them threats. (CCTV) Cameras were installed to monitor their movement – some were installed in bathrooms. Around 16 girls have complained. Several other allegations need to be verified.”
Defense Argument
Saraswati’s lawyer opposed police custody, arguing that it was intended to harass him. He stated, “I am not allowed to wear my robes. You want police custody only to harass me. In case you feel there is any threat (to the women), that can be countered by taking me in judicial custody.”
FIR and Victims
A five-page FIR has been filed, detailing statements from a 21-year-old student and referencing 32 other women who have accused Saraswati of sexual harassment and assault. The allegations include coercion for sexual favors, intimidation, and misuse of his position of authority.
National Attention
The case has drawn widespread attention, partly due to the severity of the allegations and the fact that Saraswati had been evading authorities for weeks, using false credentials and moving across multiple cities. His arrest from Agra marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation.
