Former student's letter, IAF officer's email uncovered sexual harassment case against Chaitanyananda

New Delhi: A former student’s letter, followed by an email from a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, brought to light the disturbing sexual harassment allegations against Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the head of Shri Sharada Institue of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj, Delhi. The revelations, which first emerged at the end of July, have led to a police investigation and a lookout notice being issued for the accused, who is now absconding.

According to a report by the Indian Express, the series of events began with the letter from the former student, who completed her education earlier this year. In the letter dated July 28 and received on July 31, she alleged that Saraswati had been molesting and sexually harassing female students during her time at the institute. The letter, addressed to the institute’s administration, raised concerns over the head’s inappropriate behaviour, prompting the authorities to take immediate notice.

This letter was followed by an email sent by a Group Captain of the Indian Air Force on August 1. The officer, who had received complaints from women students, detailed how they had shared accounts of sexual harassment and exploitation by Saraswati. According to the email, the women alleged that they were subjected to lewd messages sent via WhatsApp and SMS, unwarranted attention, and threats of withholding academic documents and degrees if they resisted his advances.

In response to these allegations, the governing council of the institute convened a virtual meeting with over 30 women students on August 3. During the meeting, the students further corroborated the accusations, claiming that Saraswati had used his position to manipulate and intimidate them. Some victims, particularly those from economically weaker sections, claimed they were coerced into visiting Saraswati’s private quarters at night.

The severity of the accusations prompted the institute to confirm the authenticity of the claims, stating in a press release that, “On August 1, an email was received from an Officer of the rank of Group Captain… informing that they were in receipt of various complaints and representations from students alleging various arbitrary decisions and vindictive behaviour towards the students by Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, including sending WhatsApp messages to girl students at odd hours,” the statement said.

According to the FIR, most students of the institute belong to the EWS category or are the children of armed forces personnel. Students reported that surveillance cameras had been installed inside the women's hostel under the pretext of security. Some  were reportedly coerced into silence, with one case even detailing an incident where a student was forced to change her name as part of the harassment. Further allegations included threats of suspension for those who complained or resisted Saraswati's advances, while limiting parental intervention. 

Victims claimed that some faculty members, including an associate dean, turned a blind eye to the abuse or, worse, pressured students to comply. Several students also reported that their concerns were dismissed or ignored.

Following the complaints, the Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri, which had previously been associated with Saraswati, severed all ties with him. The Peetham condemned his actions as “illegal and inappropriate” and revoked the powers of attorney granted to him in 2008. The Peetham also lodged formal complaints with the authorities.

A lookout notice has now been issued for Saraswati, who is believed to be evading arrest. His last known location is reportedly in Agra. During the probe, authorities found a car with a forged diplomatic number plate (39 UN 1) belonging to the accused, which was impounded. Further investigation is ongoing.

(With ANI inputs)