The chief of a prominent ashram in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area is currently on the run after more than 15 women accused him of molestation. The Sri Sringeri Math administration has removed Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati from his post as director and police have revealed his last known location in Agra.

The police have registered a case and also seized his Volvo car that bore a fake UN number plate.

“Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy, has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate… As a result, the Peeth has severed all ties with him… (It) has also lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding illegal acts committed by Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati,” the ashram said in a statement.

The complainants were pursuing Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) courses on EWS scholarships at the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, where the accused served as director.

During the enquiry, statements of 32 women students were recorded, out of which 17 alleged abusive language, obscene WhatsApp and text messages, as well as unwanted physical contact by the accused.

They further alleged that the women faculty and administrators abetted and pressurised them to comply with the accused’s demands.

Meanwhile, CCTV footage has been reviewed, and several raids were conducted at the place of incident as well as at the addresses of the accused person. Police have sized hard disks and a video recorder, which have been sent for forensic analysis.

During the investigation, a Volvo car was found parked in the basement of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management. On verification, it was found that the car with the forged UN number plate was used by Swami Chaitanyanand Saraswati.

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