NCW takes cognisance, seeks Swami's arrest

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the allegations against Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, alias Parth Sarthy, director of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management (SRISIIM), Vasant Kunj. The NCW has directed Delhi Police to ensure the immediate arrest of the accused, provide protection and counselling to survivors, and conduct an independent inquiry into possible complicity by institute staff. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has sought a detailed status report within three days.

On Tuesday afternoon, the SRISIIM campus remained enveloped in silence. Apart from a handful of guards stationed at the gate, no movement in or out was permitted.“After the committee concludes its meeting, a spokesperson may address the media. Until then, no entry into the campus is allowed,” the institute security in-charge told The Tribune. Another guard noted that the security team had been “recently replaced.”

All the women who testified against the Swami continue to stay inside the campus, the police said.

The Sringeri Peetham has issued a public note dissociating itself from the Swami.