Delhi Ashram Chief Accused of Molestation, On the Run After Multiple Complaints

A major controversy has erupted in South Delhi after the head of a prominent ashram was accused of molesting several women. Over 15 women have filed complaints against Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy, who until recently headed an ashram in Vasant Kunj. Following the allegations, the Sri Sringeri Math administration dismissed him from his position, condemning his alleged misconduct.

Police investigations have so far recorded statements from 32 women, of whom 17 described incidents of sexual harassment. The complaints include claims of abusive language, obscene text and WhatsApp messages, inappropriate physical advances, blackmail and intimidation. Some staff members of the institution, including three women, are also under scrutiny for allegedly assisting the accused or pressuring victims into silence.

Authorities have seized digital evidence, including hard disks and video recorders, for forensic examination. During searches, police also discovered a luxury Volvo car with a fake United Nations number plate in the ashram’s basement, reportedly used by the accused.

The ashram head is currently absconding. His last traced location was Agra, though officials believe he has been moving between cities to avoid capture. Police teams are pursuing multiple leads to track him down.

This is not the first time the spiritual leader has faced legal trouble. He was booked for fraud and molestation in 2009 in Defence Colony and again accused of molestation in Vasant Kunj in 2016.

The growing number of testimonies and the nature of the allegations have raised questions about institutional accountability and whether complaints were ignored in the past. Police continue to gather evidence as efforts intensify to apprehend the fugitive ashram chief.