Delhi : According to the victims, students were also under pressure from female academics and administrative staff to abide by the accused’s requests.

Delhi, New Delhi: According to authorities, the director of a popular ashram in the upscale Vasant Kunj neighborhood of Delhi has been charged with sexually harassing more than a dozen female students.

For harassing students enrolled in post-graduate management diploma programs with scholarships under the economically disadvantaged sections (EWS) category, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Partha Sarathy, of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management is currently facing a criminal case.

According to the authorities, out of the 32 students that recorded their statements with them, at least 17 female students have accused Swami Chaitanyananda of forcing physical contact, sending pornographic texts, and using abusive language. According to the victims, students were also under pressure from female academics and administrative staff to abide by the accused’s requests.

The students said they were introduced to the accused by several ashram wardens.

According to his shady conversations with the victims, the accused used to call the students to his room and entice them with free international travel.

According to Amit Goyal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, South-West District, the police filed a case against Swami Chaitanyananda for sexual harassment and other offenses based on their testimony.

Along with conducting raids at the accused’s residence and the scene of the incident, the police have also examined CCTV footage. The accused is still at large, though. According to sources, he was last seen close to Agra. Numerous police units are currently looking for him.

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Suo motu cognisance of the case has already been taken by the National Commission for Women (NCW).

Police discovered Swami Chaitanyananda’s Volvo automobile in the institute’s basement while conducting their inquiry. The vehicle has been confiscated after it was discovered to have used a fake diplomatic license plate (39 UN 1).

The ashram administration dismissed him from his position and expelled him following the allegations. The accused led an ashram unit that was a division of a well-known ashram in South India.

Swami Chaityananda’s actions have been unlawful, improper, and against the Peetha’s interests, according to a statement released by the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetha, Sringeri, which is in charge of the Delhi institution. As a result, it said that it had cut off all communication with the defendant.