Major Sexual Harassment Scandal Uncovered at South Delhi Institute
The lid was blown off a major sexual harassment scandal at a South Delhi institute by two separate communications sent just days apart a courageous letter from a former student and a formal email from a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force. These two reports, detailing widespread abuse by the institute's head, Chaitanyananda Saraswati, triggered an internal inquiry that has since exploded into a major criminal investigation.
Allegations of Systemic Abuse and Coercion
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed in the case, Chaitanyananda is accused of a sustained campaign of molestation and harassment against numerous female students. The allegations detail a pattern of sending inappropriate messages at odd hours, making unwanted advances, and retaliating against those who resisted. The FIR, which includes the statements of 32 women, also names three female staff members, including an associate dean, who are alleged to have been complicit, reportedly pressuring students to comply with the demands and ignoring their complaints.
A particularly disturbing aspect of the case is the alleged targeting of vulnerable students. The investigation has revealed that many of the victims belong to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) or are children of armed forces personnel. The institute is accused of leveraging their precarious financial situations and holding their original educational certificates hostage, effectively trapping them and jeopardizing their future careers to ensure their silence and compliance.
Whistleblowers Trigger Investigation
The scandal was brought to the attention of authorities in late July and early August. The first alarm was raised by the former student who wrote to the university administration detailing the alleged abuse. Days later, the email from the Air Force Group Captain corroborated these concerns, stating that his office had also received multiple complaints from students about Chaitanyananda's vindictive behavior and harassment.
These two credible reports compelled the institute's governing council to act. On August 3, they convened a virtual conference with over 30 female students, during which many came forward to share their experiences, leading to the formal police complaint.
Broader Criminal Activities and Manhunt
The investigation has also uncovered other alleged criminal activities linked to Chaitanyananda. A separate case has been filed against him for using a Volvo car with a fraudulent United Nations diplomatic number plate. A search of the institute premises reportedly uncovered nine additional fake diplomatic plates. Police sources have also indicated a history of prior cases against him, including one for forgery and molestation in 2009.
Currently, Chaitanyananda Saraswati is a fugitive from the law. Delhi Police has issued a lookout circular (LOC) to prevent him from leaving the country, and a manhunt is underway. Raids are being conducted in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh to locate and apprehend him.
Chaitanyananda Scandal: The Core Allegations
Widespread Allegations: The head of a South Delhi institute, Chaitanyananda Saraswati, is accused of sexually harassing numerous female students, with three female staff members alleged to be complicit.
System of Coercion: The accused allegedly targeted vulnerable students from economically weaker backgrounds and withheld their original academic documents to ensure compliance.
Scandal Exposed: The case came to light after a former student and an Indian Air Force Group Captain independently reported the abuse to the administration.
Fugitive from Justice: The accused is also facing charges related to forgery and is currently the subject of a police manhunt after a lookout circular was issued.
