Chaitanyananda’s fake IDs seized; posed as UN ambassador and BRICS member
New Delhi: Delhi Police have arrested self-proclaimed spiritual leader Chaitanyananda Saraswati from a hotel in Agra in connection with multiple allegations of sexual harassment, fraud, and impersonation. The 62-year-old, also known as Parthasarathy, was apprehended in the early hours of Sunday and is due to be produced before a court later in the day.
In a further twist, two fake visiting cards were recovered from Saraswati at the time of his arrest. One card falsely identified him as a "Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations," while the other described him as a "Special Envoy of India" and a member of the BRICS Joint Commission.
Authorities have confirmed that both identity cards were entirely fabricated, reportedly designed to project global influence and diplomatic stature. Delhi Police said the accused used these credentials to falsely bolster his public image and credibility.
The arrest follows a detailed investigation into complaints lodged by students at the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management in South Delhi. The institute, affiliated with Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, runs a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) course under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) scholarship scheme.
According to Delhi Police, the case originated from a complaint received on August 4 at Vasant Kunj North Police Station, where an administrator from the institute reported alleged sexual misconduct involving Saraswati. During the investigation, statements from 32 female students were recorded—17 of whom accused him of using abusive language, sending obscene messages via WhatsApp and SMS, and making unwanted physical contact.
The FIR also mentions that certain women serving as faculty or administrators at the institute allegedly pressured the victims into complying with the accused’s inappropriate demands.
Following the complaint, a case under sexual harassment laws was formally registered on September 23.
Bharat, a receptionist at the hotel in Agra where Saraswati was staying, told ANI that the godman checked in around 4pm on Saturday. “Our female staff member who stays here at night got his entry and registration done. No one came to meet him that day. At night around 3:30am, two policemen came who identified themselves as Inspectors of the Delhi Crime Branch. The two talked to Baba in his room for 10 minutes and took him away... Baba told us his name as Partha Sarthy.”
Financial irregularities under investigation
Police officials have also linked Saraswati to serious financial misconduct. Investigators allege that he operated multiple bank accounts under different names and withdrew over ₹50 lakh after the FIR was registered. Authorities had earlier frozen ₹8 crore linked to him, stashed across various accounts and fixed deposits.
The Sri Sharada Peetham, with which Saraswati had been affiliated, has since revoked the Power of Attorney issued to him in 2008.
The investigation into Saraswati's alleged offences—ranging from sexual harassment and identity fraud to financial crimes—remains ongoing. Police are expected to interrogate him further regarding the forged diplomatic credentials and the source of funds in the frozen accounts.
ANI