Delhi Ashram Molestation Case: Chaitanyananda To Withdraw Bail Plea In Sexual Harassment Case; Police Recover More Evidence

Swami Chaitanyananda: Self-proclaimed godman Swami Chaitanyananda, accused of molesting and sexually assaulting at least 17 female students from a management institute, has withdrawn his bail application from a Delhi court. The chargesheet is expected to be filed soon.

According to HT, his lawyer stated that they will wait for the police to file the chargesheet to review the accusations against Chaitanyananda before deciding on the next steps.

In the meantime, police have found more evidence against Chaitanyananda after questioning additional witnesses. Investigators recovered more objectionable videos and explicit messages allegedly sent by him to female students of a south Delhi management institute, where he previously served as chairman before being removed following multiple molestation complaints. 

Background: Swami Chaitanyanand Saraswati

- Chaitanyananda is accused of molesting 17 female students at a private institute in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, allegedly sending inappropriate and lewd messages to young women and evading authorities for nearly two months.

- Investigations revealed his involvement in multiple fraudulent activities, including forging visiting cards and passports, with two fake cards recovered, one claiming he was a Permanent Ambassador of the United Nations and another as an Indian Special Envoy of BRICS.

- Saraswati is currently in judicial custody in connection with an alleged molestation case. He was arrested following an FIR filed at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station.

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- In addition to sexual harassment charges, he faces allegations of financial misappropriation, having withdrawn approximately Rs 60 lakh and allegedly misappropriated over Rs 30 crore in total.

- During the investigation, police recorded statements from 32 students, 17 of whom accused Chaitanyananda of using abusive language, sending obscene messages, and making unwanted physical advances.

- Students alleged Chaitanyananda asked intrusive questions about their personal and sexual lives, including whether they had sex with boyfriends or used condoms, sent messages like “Baby, I love you,” and threatened suspension or expulsion if they rejected his advances.

- Records indicate Chaitanyananda has a history of similar allegations, with molestation cases filed against him in 2009 and 2016.