• Source:JND
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The self-styled godman Chaitanyanand Saraswati has been arrested for molesting female students at an institute where he was the chairman.

He was absconding since August after a complaint was filed against him by the Shri Shringeri Sharada Peetham, which owns the college Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research, in Delhi's Vasant Kunj. While Chaitanya grabbed attention after multiple students complained against him, this is not the first time he has been accused of harassment and molestation charges. Back in 2016, he had faced the same allegations from a student.

Chaitanyanand had woven a web of deceit that he exploited for his personal benefits. The self-styled godman had been using nine fake number plates on his cars, which had a UN marking, according to a report by HT.

ALSO READ: Delhi Ashram Scandal: Swami Chaitanyananda Booked Twice Before In 2009 And 2016 For Fraud, Molestation

News agency ANI cited sources saying that he used to carry a visiting card which mentioned him as a "Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations."

ANI further reported that he had several other visiting cards which described him as Special Envoy of India" and a member of the Joint Commission of BRICS countries.

As per an India Today report, his associate used to call people, telling them that 'Swamiji' was linked to the PMO to assert power. Reportedly, this helped him stay in the hotels while he was absconding.

Chaitanyanad attracted the spotlight with the molestation case, but was absconding in a case of fraud, which was filed on August 5 by the Shri Shringeri Sharda Peetham.

Late last year, the Shringeri Math conducted an audit of the institute and found that Rs 20 crore were diverted into a trust set up by Chaitanyanand in 2010, India Today reported.

ALSO READ: Delhi Ashram Scandal: Absconding Chaitanyananda Arrested From Agra For Molesting Management Students

The math filed a complaint with the police as he absconded with Rs 55 lakh. Subsequently, he was removed from the directorship. On the basis of a complaint, a look-out circular was issued.

To avoid arrest, he allegedly procured a fake passport under false identities. The police have recovered two passports from his possessions.