Swami Chaitanyanand Saraswati, also known as Parth Sarathi, appeared in Delhi's Patiala House Court, accused of student abuse and massive fraud. Following his arrest in Agra, he was taken to Safdarjung Hospital for a medical examination before being remanded to police custody for five days. He allegedly exploited economically disadvantaged students and orchestrated a multi-million-dollar scam.
During the court proceedings, Delhi Police stated that the investigation is in its early stages with significant charges against Chaitanyanand. He held a prominent position as the vice-chancellor and exerted full control over the institution. Sixteen students have confirmed sexual harassment in their statements. Police plan to take the accused to Almoda, Gurgaon, Faridabad, and surrounding areas of Delhi, necessitating police custody.
Delhi Police seized approximately 80 million rupees linked to Swami Chaitanyanand, found across 18 bank accounts and 28 fixed deposits, now frozen by the authorities. The money flowed into a trust formed by the accused, welcoming hefty donations and contributions. He allegedly opened multiple bank accounts under different names and fake documents to hide transactions, withdrawing 5 million rupees following the case's filing.
Earlier, the court dismissed Swami Chaitanyanand's anticipatory bail plea. Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur emphasized the ongoing investigation's infancy and the necessity of custodial interrogation. The court highlighted the seriousness of the charges, precluding bail due to the depth of the crime. Investigations revealed the creation of a fraudulent trust named 'Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research Foundation Trust.'
The aim was to seize institutional assets for personal benefit. The court noted the misuse of plot number 7, placed under this deceptive trust and leased without permission. The land and its income were meant for the institute and Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, but the accused misappropriated them. Allegations extend beyond financial misconduct to sexual exploitation.
The victimized students uncovered Swami Chaitanyanand exerted severe psychological pressure, confiscating their mobile phones to sever external contacts while gifting phones under his control. Original certificates were also seized, returned only upon course completion, creating an atmosphere of fear.
Students feared their careers could be jeopardized if they opposed him, facing threats of failure or expulsion. Some claim they were expelled for dissent. A victim accused Chaitanyanand of sexually exploiting 17 students, threatening career destruction for non-compliance with his rules. A complaint was filed in March 2025, with allegations of being asked for more money despite a 60-thousand-rupee donation. The former head of the institute divulged Chaitanyanand's network of loyalists in high positions, despite their lack of qualifications. The scandal came to light when an Indian Air Force officer reported to the private management institute, leading to 30 students reporting sexual abuse in a virtual meeting on August 4.
