How a Whistleblower Email Led to FIR Against Godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati in Delhi

The case of Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Dr. Parthasarthy, took a dramatic turn after a whistleblower email from a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force exposed serious allegations of sexual harassment. The godman, who had cultivated the image of a spiritual philosopher and academic, is now facing FIRs in Delhi following testimonies from women students.

Email From IAF Officer Exposes Harassment

On July 31, the Delhi institute affiliated with the Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri received a shocking email from an IAF officer. The mail detailed how women students had complained of inappropriate behaviour by Saraswati, alleging harassment, abusive language, and unwanted advances. This communication, combined with a written letter from a former student dated July 28, forced the institute to confront the allegations that had been whispered about but never formally acted upon.

Students Speak Out After Virtual Meeting

Following the email, the institute convened a virtual meeting on August 3 with over thirty female PGDM students. During the session, multiple students opened up about their experiences with Saraswati. Their statements indicated a disturbing pattern of abuse, particularly targeting those enrolled under the economically weaker section scholarship scheme. Seventeen of the students later gave formal testimonies before a magistrate, strengthening the legal case against him.

FIR Filed Against Saraswati in Delhi

On August 25, Delhi Police filed two separate cases against Saraswati. One FIR addressed sexual harassment allegations made by the students, while another pertained to fraud after a luxury Volvo car with a forged diplomatic number plate "39 UN 1" was discovered in the institute's basement. The FIR also mentioned three women staff members, including an associate dean, who allegedly pressured students to comply with Saraswati's advances and suppressed complaints raised against him.

Past Allegations and Institutional Response

This was not the first time Saraswati's name was linked with controversy. He had been accused in molestation and fraud cases filed in 2009 and 2016 but managed to evade consequences. Despite authoring twenty-eight books and gaining endorsements from respected figures, his reputation has been severely damaged. The Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri has officially distanced itself from him following these revelations.

Hunt for the Absconding Self-Styled Godman

As the FIRs gather momentum, Saraswati remains absconding. Police teams are pursuing leads on his whereabouts while continuing to collect additional evidence. Authorities have assured that they are committed to ensuring justice for the women who came forward, many of whom risked their academic futures to expose his misconduct.