Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a self-styled godman, is facing increasing scrutiny and accusations of manipulating a Delhi management institute through the strategic placement of loyalists in key positions. These actions allegedly created an "inescapable web" that allowed him to intimidate students and maintain control over the institute's operations.

Allegations of Sexual Harassment and Intimidation

Chaitanyananda Saraswati is accused of sexually harassing 17 students at a private management institute. An FIR was registered against him on August 4 after the institute's administration reported that numerous female students recounted instances of sexual harassment, manipulation, and threats during a virtual meeting. He allegedly forced female students to visit his quarters late at night and sent inappropriate text messages.

Network of Loyalists and Financial Irregularities

Chaitanyananda, a former chairman of the management institute in southwest Delhi, allegedly built a network of loyalists by appointing individuals to positions for which they were not qualified. A family friend of a student from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota reported that the student was asked to pay an additional amount despite already paying a donation of ₹60,000. The student was allegedly told to either pay another ₹60,000, work without salary at the institute for a year, or leave the college.

The private institute issued a statement acknowledging allegations of financial irregularities and "arbitrary behaviour" against Saraswati. An independent audit ordered by the governing Peetham revealed "fraud, forgery, cheating, and criminal breach of trust" linked to Saraswati and his associates. He is also accused of subletting properties of the Sri Sharada Peetham to private firms for profit and diverting funds to purchase luxury cars.

Investigation and Ongoing Search

An email from an Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain with the Directorate of Education, Air Headquarters, played a crucial role in exposing the scandal. The officer relayed complaints from female students about Chaitanyananda's alleged misconduct. The institute confirmed receiving the email and formally reported the complaints against the former chairman.

Police have launched a nationwide hunt for Chaitanyananda Saraswati, who has been absconding since August. He faces multiple FIRs covering allegations of molestation, cheating, forgery, and fraud. A Lookout Circular has been issued to prevent him from leaving the country.

Past Accusations and Institutional Response

It has come to light that Chaitanyananda has faced similar accusations in the past. Police records indicate that he evaded molestation charges in 2009 and 2016, allegedly using his influence to avoid prosecution.

The Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management has stated that it acted "swiftly and decisively" to protect students. However, questions remain about the extent to which the institution was aware of and enabled Chaitanyananda's alleged activities. Some students alleged that faculty and administrative staff pressured them to comply with his demands.

Additional Allegations and Concerns

Additional allegations against Chaitanyananda include compelling students to attend his yoga classes with a strict attendance policy, even on holidays and during internships. He also allegedly penalized female students for refusing foreign trips. Furthermore, there are claims that he had access to CCTV footage from the girls' hostel and washroom.

The police are also investigating the validity of Chaitanyananda's MBA and PhD degrees from the University of Chicago and claims that his writings were endorsed by figures like Steve Jobs. The Ramakrishna Mission stated that Chaitanyananda joined them in 1997 and was expelled in 2002 for manipulating accounts and forging emails.