Fall of Delhi Baba: How an Air Force officer, students exposed sexual abuse

Self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, director of a private management institute in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, has been booked for allegedly sexually harassing multiple female students, according to a detailed First Information Report (FIR).

The institute, affiliated with Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri, Karnataka, reportedly saw a pattern of abuse targeting students from economically weaker sections (EWS), many of whom were on scholarships.

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According to the FIR, the 62-year-old accused, who held positions as both chairman and chancellor, allegedly exploited his authority to harass, intimidate, and manipulate students.

Victims said they were pressured to accompany him on international trips and visit his room late at night.

Below are key events how exposure unfolded

Initial letter from a former student

A former student wrote a letter to the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research in Delhi on July 28 (received by the institute on July 31). In it, she alleged that Chaitanyananda had been engaging in harassment and molestation of women students.

Email from an IAF officer

On August 1, the institute got an email from a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force. The email conveyed that the IAF had received complaints from several women students about harassment by Chaitanyananda. This added credibility to the allegations.

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In response to the above complaints, on August 3, the institute’s governing council held a virtual meeting with about 30 women students. During that meeting, multiple students came forward with detailed allegations (sexual harassment, blackmail, threats, etc).

Collection of evidence & filing FIR

After these revelations, the institute compiled evidence—over 300 pages—and formally filed a complaint. Police then began recording statements. As many as 32 women students had their statements recorded in the FIR.

The complaints included things like:

• Being sent obscene messages
• Threats to fail or withhold marks if they did not comply
• For EWS (Economically Weaker Section) students, holding back original educational certificates, thereby ending their careers.

Institutional actions & public disclosure

The institute revoked Chaitanyananda’s power as director. It also formed a new governing council. Authorities issued a Look-Out Circular (LOC) so he couldn’t leave the country. Police intensified searches. The Peetham (religious trust / spiritual organisation) which he was associated with publicly distanced itself.

Why the IAF officer’s complaint was important

It brought in an external, authoritative voice. Because many of the students were from families associated with the armed forces, the IAF’s involvement gave legitimacy and pressure.

Also read: Delhi godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati booked for 'sexually harassing' 17 students