As the investigation progresses against the self-proclaimed religious guru, Swami Chaitanyanand Saraswati, who remains on the run, shocking revelations continue to surface. The 62-year-old not only faces allegations from 17 female students of sexual abuse but also faces charges of financial fraud and embezzlement masquerading as charitable activities.
According to agencies, police revealed that 18 bank accounts and 28 fixed deposits were identified in his name and that of his associated trust. These accounts together amass nearly ₹180 million, which has been frozen by the authorities.
Source: aajtak
This staggering amount was primarily collected through the 'Shri Sharda Institute of Indian Management Research Foundation Trust'. The investigation uncovered that this trust was amassing huge sums under the guise of donations and contributions, which were not utilized for its designated activities but seemingly diverted for personal gains.
Withdrawal of ₹5.5 Million After FIR
Alarmingly, post the FIR in August, Chaitanyanand reportedly managed to withdraw approximately ₹5.5 million from accounts opened under various names. Investigators suggest he utilized different documents for account openings and manipulated account names to facilitate financial deceit.
Court Denies Anticipatory Bail
Delhi's court has denied Chaitanyanand's anticipatory bail. The court emphasized the necessity of custodial interrogation to unravel the complete story of fraud, deception, and conspiracy. It also noted that the accused is not present at his known address, and his phone remains unreachable.
Suppressing Students: A Sinister Approach
Statements from the victimized students and their families paint an even more frightening picture. They revealed how Chaitanyanand confiscated students' phones and original certificates under pretexts, ensuring complete surveillance and control. Certificates were only returned upon course completion, creating a climate of fear that prevented students from voicing against him without risking their future.
Source: aajtak
Many victims alleged threats of failure or expulsion for dissent. One student’s associate revealed those who protested were punished with prolonged detentions and mental harassment. Even when a student escaped, Chaitanyanand's network searched her home and contacted relatives.
Police inquiries and victim statements indicate Chaitanyanand established a network of loyalists in the organization, appointing people not based on qualifications but on allegiance, including promoting former students and relatives to crucial positions.
Defrauding Under the Pretext of Low Fees
In March 2025, a student admitted under the EWS quota complained about being demanded ₹60,000 as 'donation', with another demand made after the payment. Upon refusal, threats of mandatory work or expulsion were issued.
Source: aajtak
Boasting High-profile Contacts
The accusations reveal Chaitanyanand's claims of being a billionaire with connections to influential leaders and foreign dignitaries, warning that anyone challenging him risked their careers being destroyed.
How Did the Allegations Surface?
The case exploded when an Air Force Group Captain emailed the Directorate of Education, including statements from over 30 students accusing Chaitanyanand of sexual misconduct and intimidation. Consequently, an FIR was filed on August 4.
Current Status of the Investigation
Delhi Police have issued a lookout circular against Chaitanyanand, who is still absconding, with several teams on the hunt. Investigations have so far revealed an attempt to fraudulently convert trust and institutional assets for personal enrichment, amassing donations and contributions for selfish use.
The lingering question remains: where exactly did such vast wealth come from? Was it merely generated through donations to the trust, or is there another network lurking beneath the surface? Could political or business alliances be involved? The investigation continues, but the revelations so far suggest Chaitanyanand built an empire of exploitation and deception behind his guise as a 'guru'.
