Self-styled godman Saraswati in safe custody: Jail to court

The Tihar Jail authorities on Wednesday informed a Delhi court that self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused of sexually harassing 16 students at a private management institute in southwest Delhi, is being kept in “safe and secure custody.”

The submission came after Chaitanyananda told Judicial Magistrate Animesh Kumar that his life was under threat inside the Tihar prison.

According to a status report placed before the magistrate on Tuesday, prison officials interacted with the inmate about his claims, but he did not name anyone who had allegedly threatened him.

“The inmate is presently lodged in safe and secure custody. He has been advised that whenever he feels harassed or threatened by anyone, he may immediately report the matter to any jail official/officer or to the undersigned directly,” the report stated, signed by a deputy superintendent of the jail.

The prison authorities added that staff had been instructed to remain vigilant to address any concerns raised by the accused.

The report also noted that Chaitanyananda had expressed apprehension about his safety in the jail van and the lock-up area. In response, a letter has been sent to a DCP-rank officer of the Delhi Police to ensure his security during transit between the prison and the court.

Addressing his claim that he was not permitted to wear a saffron robe, jail officials clarified that they had “no objection” to the attire. They also stated that he had already been allowed a restricted diet without onion and garlic, and kitchen staff had been instructed to provide it regularly.

Chaitanyananda made the claims during his production before the magisterial court on November 15, following the completion of his 14-day judicial custody. The court then sought a detailed report from prison authorities.

Earlier on November 7, he withdrew his bail plea before a sessions court.

His counsel informed Additional Sessions Judge Deepti Devesh that the application was being withdrawn as the charges needed to be examined after the filing of the chargesheet.