Agra, Sept 28: Delhi Police late Saturday night arrested Swami Chaitanyanand Saraswati, also known as Parthasarathi, head of Shri Sharada Institute of Indian Management and Research, from a hotel in Agra, officials said.
Chaitanyanand had been on the run after multiple female students accused him of sexual harassment and mental exploitation at the Delhi institute. Investigators say he lured students, especially from economically weaker sections (EWS), with promises of foreign trips, better grades, and scholarships, while threatening academic failure if they refused to comply.
Police recovered WhatsApp messages showing a pattern of inappropriate communication, including messages like “Baby,” “I love you,” and comments on students’ appearance. Out of 32 students questioned, 17 have formally accused him of harassment, and 16 have recorded statements before a magistrate.
Investigations revealed that three female faculty members and wardens allegedly helped Chaitanyanand cover up misconduct by pressuring students to delete chat histories and remain silent.
He was traced to Hotel First in Agra, where he had checked in under the alias “Parth Sarathi” and stayed in Room 101. Delhi Police apprehended him around 3:00 am after verifying the guest register, taking him into custody without resistance.
In addition to sexual harassment, Chaitanyanand faces charges of financial fraud. Delhi Police registered three FIRs under IPC Sections 420 (cheating), 406 (criminal breach of trust), and other provisions, alleging he created a parallel trust to siphon off Rs 20 crore and withdraw Rs 60 lakh in cash since July 2025. Land encroachment and fund misappropriation at the institute are also under investigation.
Chaitanyanand has a history of criminal allegations, including a 2009 case of cheating and molestation in Delhi’s Defence Colony and a 2016 molestation case in Vasant Kunj. Details about his personal life remain under investigation. (Agencies)
