• Source:JND
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Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a self-styled ‘godman’, has been accused of sexually harassing 17 female students at the Shri Sharada Institute of Indian Management (ShriSIIM) in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj. He used a range of methods, including intimidation, coercion to harass his students, both sexually and financially.

Key Allegations Against Chaitanyananda

Hidden Cameras

As per the FIR, Chaitanyananda placed CCTV cameras near the bathrooms of the girls hostel. He would then use the footage to question his students about their shower routines and personal relationships.

Lewd Remarks

Chaitanyananda would question the girls on their relationship status and whether they had sex with boyfriends and used condoms. "Baby, I love you" and "I adore you” were among the messages he sent to girl students on WhatsApp.

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Humiliated Girls In Front Of Peers

The girls were humiliated for their conduct in front of fellow students. "Swami used to ask girls about their shower routine. There were CCTVs near our rooms and bathrooms... He once asked me if I had sex with my boyfriend and whether I used condoms," a Haryana student said, as quoted by a Hindustan Times report.

The girl was asked to submit an amount of Rs 15,000 to get back her original documents after being denied the degree.

High-End Lifestyle

As per the report, authorities have taken in custody Chaitanyananda's BMW which was used to take students to Rishikesh under the guise of "industrial visits." A Volvo with a fake diplomatic plate ("39 UN 1") was also seized from the institute basement.

Harassment During Festivals

Chaitanyananda made the girls stand in line during festivals like Holi and applied colour (gulal) on their hair parting and cheeks. He also forced them to bow down to him.

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Forced Domestic And International Trips

Chaitanyananda invited multiple girls to private accommodation at night and forced them into foreign and domestic trips.

Chaitanyananda Evading Arrest

Chaitanyananda is currently on the run, and the Delhi Police has stepped up efforts to nab him. The self-styled ‘godman’ is reportedly attempting to evade arrest by using disguises, NDTV quoted police sources as saying.